Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides associated with plants resistance to pathogenic fungi

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to polynucleotides and polypeptides associated with increased resistance of plant to pathogenic fungi, particularly to fungi inducing root rot and stalk rot in plants, and use thereof for controlling plant fungal pathogens and for producing transgenic plants having increased resistance to pathogenic fungi.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/477,982, filed on Jul. 15, 2019; which is a 371 application of International Application No. PCT/IL2018/050044, filed on Jan. 11, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62/446,546, filed on Jan. 16, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The Sequence Listing submitted herewith is an ASCII text file (2021-10-14_Sequence_Listing.text, created on Oct. 14, 2021, 3,062,549 bytes) via EFS-Web is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to polynucleotides and polypeptides associated with increased resistance of plants towards pathogenic fungi and/or Oomycetes, particularly to fungi inducing root rot and stalk rot in plants, and use thereof for controlling plant diseases associated with the fungal pathogens and for producing genetically engineered plants having increased resistance to the pathogenic fungi.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During all developmental stages, plants are exposed to an extremely wide range of biotic and abiotic stress conditions leading to plant diseases. In the production of crop plants, damages caused by biotic stresses, particularly by pathogenic agents, which may be further enhanced under conditions of abiotic stress, pose a major problem and significantly affect the crop yield and profitability.

Many plant diseases are caused by plant pathogenic fungi, and damages to both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crop plants are of billions of US$ loss in yield in the U.S. only. For example, stalk rot, caused by a complex of Fusarium spp. and other fungi is one of the most serious challenges in maize production. At present, the majority of both inbreed and hybrid maize lines are susceptible. Fusarium graminearum (Fg) and Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) are the two main causal agents of stalk rot caused by Fusarium spp. in maize, but more than 10 additional Fusarium spp. can cause stalk rot. Natural infection is initiated by a mixture of the local Fusarium spp., but typically during the progress of the disease one species predominates. Gibberella stalk rot (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) is more prevalent in maize grown in cool regions; while Fusarium stalk rot (caused by Fusarium verticillioides) is most common in dry, warm regions. Fusarium graminearum and other Fusarium species are also responsible for Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat, which is a major disease problem for wheat and barley production worldwide, and for various root rots in wide range of different hosts. Colletotrichum spp. infects many grain crops such as barley, wheat, sorghum and corn. C. graminicola is one of the other major pathogens causing mainly maize stalk rots and being capable of infecting many other parts of the corn plant. It has been suggested that C. graminicola behaves as a wilt fungus which efficiently colonizes and moves through the fiber cells that surround the vascular bundles and underlie the epidermal cells in the stalk rind. Movement through the mostly non-living fibers may allow the fungus to avoid host defenses, providing a base from which it can invade adjacent parenchyma cells.

Powdery mildews are fungal diseases caused by different species of fungi in the order Erysiphales that affect a wide range of plants including cereals, grasses, vegetables, ornamentals, weeds, shrubs, fruit trees, broad-leaved shade and forest trees.

Traditionally, plant diseases have been controlled by agronomic practices that include crop rotation, the use of agrochemicals, and conventional breeding techniques. The use of chemicals to control plant pathogens, while being effective, increases the production costs, and moreover, is opposed to by the public and government regulators due to the increased awareness to the harmful effects of such chemicals on the ecosystem and animal health.

Upon the plant recognition of an agent as a pathogen, an array of biochemical responses is activated by the plant. As of today it is acknowledged that the initial plant response involves induction of several local responses in the cells immediately surrounding the infection site. In the hypersensitive response, cells contacted by the pathogen, and often neighboring cells, rapidly collapse and dry in a necrotic fleck. Other responses include the deposition of callose, the physical thickening of cell walls by lignification, and the synthesis of various antibiotic small molecules and proteins. Genetic factors in both the host and the pathogen determine the specificity of these local responses, which can be very effective in limiting the spread of infection.

Resistance to Fusarium is a polygenic trait and can be seen as consisting of two major components: (1) resistance to initial penetration, and (2) resistance to the spreading of the pathogen in host tissue. Though there is no evidence of complete resistance to Fusarium stalk rot in maize, genetic variation for resistance exists within maize germplasm. Resistance to C. graminicola is also primarily quantitative, although a few sources of major gene resistance have been described.

The constantly growing volume of research regarding the mechanisms involved in plant resistance to pathogens and the genetic basis of such mechanism, together with advances in biotechnology have presented new opportunities for protecting plants against pathogen infection through genetic engineering.

Many genes have been identified to participate in the plant defense mechanisms. For example, Sanghyun S et al. (2008. J Exp Bot. 2008:59(9):2371-8) showed that transgenic wheat expressing a barley class II chitinase exhibited enhanced resistance against F. graminearum in greenhouse and field conditions. Zhu X et al. (2012. Funct Integr Genomics. 12(3):481-488) described that overexpression of wheat lipid transfer protein gene TaLTP5 increases resistances to Cochliobolus sativus and Fusarium graminearum in transgenic wheat. Perochon A et al. (2015. Plant Physiol 169(4):2895-2906) reported the functional characterization of an orphan gene (Triticum aestivum Fusarium Resistance Orphan Gene [TaFROG]) as a component of resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB). Zuo D Y et al. (2016. Phytopatol. 106(6):614-623) showed that a deoxynivalenol-activated methionyl-tRNA synthetase gene from wheat encodes a nuclear localized protein and protects plants against Fusarium pathogens infection and mycotoxins. Dowd P F and Johnson E T (2016. J Plant Res. 129(1):13-20) showed that the maize peroxidase Px5, the pericarp expression of which has been shown to be associated with resistance to Aspergillus flavus growth and to insects in a set of inbred plant lines has a highly conserved sequence which enhances fungal and insect resistance.

Many defense response genes are induced in wheat and other plants during F. graminearum infection and may play a role in reducing FHB. These response genes were thus investigated in an attempt to produce resistant wheat lines. Mackintosh C A et al. (2007. Plant Cell Rep 26(4):479-488) examined overexpression of the defense response genes alpha-1-purothionin, thaumatin-like protein 1 (tlp-1), and beta-1,3-glucanase in wheat, and reported that all the genes reduced at least part of the disease symptoms. A beta-1,3-glucanase transgenic line had enhanced resistance, showing lower FHB severity, deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin concentration, and percent of visually scabby kernels (VSK) compared to a control plant. Sasaki K et al. (2016. J Biotechnol 228:3-7) also showed that overexpression of TAD1 (Triticum aestivum defensin 1), a protein induced during cold acclimation in winter wheat and encoding a plant defensin with antimicrobial activity, increased resistance against Fusarium graminearum in the transformed wheat to plants.

Various additional genetic manipulation of gene expression for improving resistance to pathogenic fungi has also been reported. For example, Brewer H C et al. (2014. BMC Plant Biol 14(1):317) showed that mutations in the Arabidopsis homoserine kinase gene DMR1 confer enhanced resistance to E culmorum and F. graminearum. Tundo S et al. (2016. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 29(8):629-639) produced transgenic plants with a combination of gene encoding proteins involved in inhibiting the activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) secreted by pathogens to breach the plant cell-wall barrier. They showed that pyramiding polygalacturonase (PG) inhibiting protein (PGIP2) and TAXI-III, a xylanase inhibitor that controls the activity of xylanases, enhanced resistance against Fusarium graminearum, while pyramiding PGIP2 and pectin methyl esterase inhibitor (PMEI) did not reach the same effect. Li X et al. (2015. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 28(11):1237-1246) demonstrated that transgenic wheat expressing a barley UDP-glucosyltransferase detoxifies deoxynivalenol and provides high levels of resistance to Fusarium graminearum.

Among others, International Application Publication Nos. WO 2006/091219 and WO 2006/091219 disclose methods for protecting plants from plant pathogenic fungi by enhancing fungal pathogen resistance in a plant using the nucleotide sequences disclosed therein. Further disclosed therein are methods comprising introducing into a plant an expression cassette comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence that encodes an antifungal polypeptide as well as transformed plants, plant cells, seeds, and microorganisms comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes an antifungal polypeptide or variant or fragment thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,359,615 discloses plants which overexpress a p33 kD or BURP protein, or an ortholog thereof, and exhibit an increased pre-formed resistance to pathogens, particularly fungal pathogens.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,485,994 discloses methods and compositions for control of pathogenic fungal or Oomycetous infection. Particularly, the patent discloses an antifungal or an anti-Oomycetous composition comprising bacteria of the genus Collimonas and bacteria of the genus Bacillus, together exhibiting a synergistic antifungal or a synergistic anti-Oomycetous effect, and methods of use thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,732,354 discloses new gene that is able to provide plants with resistance against pathogens, particularly Verticillium, Ralstonia or Fusarium. The gene is typical for Brassicaceae, but may confer resistance to other plants. Further provided are host cells with a nucleotide construct encoding the protein and methods for enhancing the pathogen resistance of plants.

However, as of today, there is an unmet need for further developed methods and compositions for protecting plants from fungal pathogen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides isolated polynucleotides, constructs comprising same and isolated polypeptides useful in conferring and/or enhancing resistance of a plant towards pathogenic fungi and/or Oomycetes. The present invention further provides genetically altered plants and plant cells with enhanced resistance to pathogenic fungi and/or Oomycetes as well as method for producing and selecting same.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a method for enhancing the resistance of a plant or a part thereof to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939 within at least one cell of the plant or part thereof, thereby enhancing the resistance of said plant or part thereof to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete compared to the resistance of a control plant. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the method comprises modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the at least one polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:55-527. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to other embodiments, the at least one polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide comprising the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the resistance of the plant or part thereof to the pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprises enhancing the expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide compared to its expression and/or activity in the control plant.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polypeptide the expression and/or activity of which is to be enhanced comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, and 651-654. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to alternative exemplary embodiments, the polypeptide the expression and/or activity of which is to be enhanced comprises an amino acid sequence elected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Enhancing the polypeptide expression can be affected at the genomic and/or the transcript and/or translation level using a variety of methods that induce the transcription and/or translation of the polypeptide.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide comprises expressing an exogenous polynucleotide encoding said at least one polypeptide within the at least one cell of the plant or the part thereof.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide comprises transforming at least one cell of the plant or part thereof with an exogenous polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, thereby producing a transgenic plant over-expressing said polypeptide.

Any method as is known in the art for introducing an exogenous polynucleotide into a plant cell can be used according to the teachings of the present invention. According to some embodiments, the exogenous polynucleotide is transformed into the plant cell using a suitable vector.

According to certain embodiments, the exogenous polynucleotide encodes an endogenous polypeptide of the at least one cell. According to other embodiments, the exogenous polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide heterologous to the at least one plant cell.

According to certain embodiments, genome editing is employed to edit the genome of the at least one cell as to express a heterologous polypeptide of the invention.

According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide the expression of which is to be enhanced comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, and 183. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to other embodiments, the polynucleotide the expression of which is to be enhanced comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in one any one of SEQ ID NOs:57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide comprises modulating the expression of an endogenous polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide within the at least one cell of the plant or part thereof.

Modulating, according to certain embodiments enhancing, the expression of the endogenous polynucleotide can be affected at the genomic and/or the transcript level using a variety of methods that induce the transcription and/or translation of the polypeptide.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the expression and/or activity of the endogenous polypeptide comprises subjecting the at least one cell of the plant or part thereof to genome editing using artificially engineered nucleases as is known in the art.

According to certain embodiments, isolated nucleic acids which serve as promoter or enhancer elements may be introduced in an appropriate position as to enhance transcription of the endogenous polynucleotide. According to some embodiments, the regulatory element is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, a promoter and an enhancer.

According to other embodiments, at least one mutation may be inserted within the endogenous polynucleotide as long as the mutation results in enhanced expression of the encoded polypeptide. Any method for mutagenesis as is known in the art can be used according to the teachings of the present invention including chemical mutagenesis, radio-mutagenesis and site directed mutagenesis, for example using genome editing techniques.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the resistance of the plant to the pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprises reducing the expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide compared to its expression and/or activity in the control plant. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polypeptide the expression of which is to be reduced comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:590, 603 and 619. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polypeptide the expression of which is to be reduced comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:590, 603 and 619.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the resistance of the plant to the pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprises reducing the expression of at least one polynucleotide compared to its expression and/or activity in the control plant. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polynucleotide having reduced expression comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:74, 87, 103, 139, 152, and 167. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polynucleotide having reduced expression comprises a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:74, 87, 103, 139, 152, and 167.

Any method as is known in the art for reducing the expression and/or activity of a plant endogenous protein and the polynucleotide encoding same can be used according to the teachings of the resent invention.

According to certain embodiments, reducing the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide comprises down-regulating the expression of the endogenous polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide within the at least one cell of the plant or part thereof.

According to certain embodiments, reducing the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide comprises modulating the endogenous polynucleotide as to encode a non-functional polypeptide.

According to certain embodiments, expression of the polynucleotide is affected at the genomic and/or the transcript level using a variety of molecules that interfere with transcription and/or translation (e.g., antisense, siRNA, Ribozyme, or DNAzyme) of the polynucleotide. Inserting a mutation into the polynucleotide, including deletions, insertions, site specific mutations, mutations mediated by artificially engineered nucleases (including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription-activator like effector nucleases (TALENs) and CRISPR/Cas system) can be also used, as long as the mutations result in down-regulation of the gene expression or in the production of non-functional protein.

Alternatively, expression can be inhibited at the protein level using, e.g., antagonists, enzymes that cleave the polypeptide, and the like.

According to some embodiments, the control plant is a plant not manipulated to have modulated expression and/or activity of the polypeptide. According to some embodiments, the control plant is of the same species. According to some embodiments, the control plant comprises the same genetic background.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a population of plants each having an enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one         polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an         amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID         NOs:571-939 within at least one cell of each plant of a plant         population as to produce a genetically engineered plant         population;     -   (b) inoculating each plant of the genetically engineered plant         population with the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or         Oomycete; and     -   (c) selecting plants showing an enhanced resistance to said at         least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete compared to a         control plant or to a pre-determined resistance score value;

thereby producing a population of genetically engineered plants having enhanced resistance to said at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete.

According to certain embodiments, the method comprises modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. According to certain embodiments, the method comprises modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-977. According to other embodiments, the method comprises modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:965-977. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The expression and/or activity of the at least polypeptide can be enhanced or reduced as described hereinabove.

According to certain embodiments, the method comprises modulating the expression of at least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:55-527. According to some embodiments, the method comprises modulating the expression of at least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. According to some embodiments, the method comprises modulating the expression of at least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:528-564. According to some embodiments, the method comprises modulating the expression of at least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:565-570. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The expression of the at least polypeptide and/or polynucleotide encoding same can be enhanced or reduced as described hereinabove.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the expression comprises transforming the at least one cell of the plant or part thereof with a polynucleotide encoding at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, and 651-654. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to certain embodiments, enhancing the expression comprises transforming the at least one cell of the plant or part thereof with a polynucleotide encoding at least one polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides a method for selecting a plant having an enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a plurality of plants each comprising at least one         cell with modulated expression and/or activity of a polypeptide         at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid         sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID         NOs:571-939;     -   (b) inoculating the plurality of plants with the at least one         pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete; and     -   (c) selecting plants showing an enhanced resistance to said at         least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete compared to a         control plant or to a pre-determined resistance score value.

According to certain embodiments, the method comprises providing a plurality of plants each having a modulated expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-977. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to other embodiments, the method comprises providing a plurality of plants each having a modulated expression and/or activity of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 965-977. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the modulated expression and/or activity is selected from enhanced expression and/or activity and reduced expression and/or activity. Modulating the expression can be performed by any method as is known in the art and as described hereinabove.

According to certain embodiments, the method comprises providing a plurality of plant each having modulated expression of at least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-527. According to some embodiments, the at least one polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. According to some embodiments, the at least one polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:528-564. According to some embodiments, the at least one polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:565-570. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the control plant is a plant not manipulated to have modulated expression and/or activity of the polypeptide. According to some embodiments, the control plant is of the same species. According to some embodiments, the control plant comprises the same genetic background.

According to certain embodiments, the pre-determined resistance score value is obtained by a method comprising the steps of inoculating a plurality of corresponding plants susceptible to the at least one pathogenic fungus or Oomycete; scoring the infection degree; and setting an average resistance score value.

Modulating (enhancing or reducing) the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide can be achieved as described hereinabove and by any other method as is known in the art.

According to certain embodiments, the plant part is selected from the group consisting of seeds, roots, shoots, leaves, flowers and the like. Each possibility represents separate embodiment of the present invention. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the plant part is a root. Tissue cultures comprising cells derived from the plant having a modulated expression and/or activity of a polypeptide of the invention are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides a genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to at least one fungus and/or Oomycete compared to a non-engineered control plant, the genetically engineered plant comprising at least one cell having modified expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939 compared to the polypeptide expression and/or activity in the non-engineered control plant. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:940-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression of at least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-527. According to some embodiments, the at least one polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprises at least one cell having enhanced expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, and 651-654. According to some embodiments, the polypeptide having enhanced expression comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprises at least one cell having enhanced expression of at least one polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, and 651-654. According to some embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprises at least one cell having enhanced expression of at least one polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell transformed with an exogenous polynucleotide encoding the at least one polypeptide having an amino acid sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943 thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell edited to over-express a polynucleotide encoding the at least one polypeptide having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NOs:573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943, thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprises at least one cell with enhanced expression of at least polynucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polynucleotide expression in the genetically engineered plant is enhanced in comparison to the polynucleotide expression in a control plant.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprises at least one cell with reduced expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:590, 603 and 619. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises a polynucleotide encoding a modified form of the at least one polypeptide, wherein the modified form has reduced or no activity compared to the unmodified form, thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having reduced expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide comprises at least one cell having reduced expression of a polynucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:74, 87, 103, 139, 152, and 167. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, and 651-654, wherein the polypeptide, when expressed in a plant, is capable of enhancing the resistance of the plant to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete. According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943.

According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a nucleic acids sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, to 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, and 183. According to other embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide, a fragment or a mutant thereof, the polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a nucleic acids sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, and 183, wherein said polynucleotide, when expressed in a plant, is capable of enhancing the resistance of the plant to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete. According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one if SEQ ID NOs:57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides a nucleic acid construct comprising a polynucleotide according to some embodiments of the present invention, further comprising at least one regulatory element for directing the expression of the polynucleotide within a plant cell. According to certain embodiment, the regulatory element is a promoter. The promoter can be endogenous or heterologous to the plant comprising the nucleic acid construct.

The polypeptides and polynucleotides disclosed herein may be used to confer resistance to a wide variety of fungal and Oomycetous pathogens that cause commercial damage to crop and ornamental plants.

According to certain embodiments, the fungal or Oomycetous pathogens can be one or more fungi or Oomycetes from a class selected from the group consisting of Plasmodiophoromycetes, Chytridiomycetes, Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Deuteromycetes, and Sordariomycetes. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to some embodiments, the fungal pathogens can be one or more fungi from a genus selected from the group consisting of Fusarium, Colletotrichum, Geotrichum, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Athelia, Botryosphaeria, Botrytis, Cryphonectria, Choanephora, Cercospora, Magnaporthe Monilinia, Mycosphaerella, Melampsora, Puccinia, Phakopsora, Rhizoctonia, Septoria, Uromyces, Ustilago and Verticillium.

According to some embodiments, the Oomycetous pathogen can be from the class Oomycetes (synonym Peronosporomycetes). In some embodiments, said Oomycetous infection comprises infection by an Oomycete from a genus selected from the group consisting of Blumeria, Macrophomina, Oidium, Pythium, and Phytophthora. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to some embodiments, the fungal or Oomycetous pathogen is selected from the group consisting of Botrytis cinerea Mycosphaerella graminicola, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, Septoria lycopersici, Magnaporthe oryza, Rhizoctonia solani, Ustilago maydis, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Blumeria graminis.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the fungus of the genus Fusarium is selected from the group consisting of Fusarium verticilloides and Fusarium graminearum. According to additional exemplary embodiments, the F. verticilloides is F. verticillioides strain A-00149-FGSC 7600. According to further exemplary embodiments, the F. graminearum is F. graminearum strain CBS 110260.

According to other exemplary embodiments, the fungus of the genus Colletotrichum is Colletotrichum graminicola.

The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention can be used to confer resistance to any plant type. According to certain embodiments, the plant is a cereal plant. According to some embodiments, the cereal plant is selected from the group consisting of wheat, barley, sorghum, maize, rice, oat, and rye. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to other embodiments, the plant is a field-crop plant. According to some embodiments, the field crop plant is selected from the group consisting of tomato, potato, sweet potato, cassava, beets, ginger, horseradish, radish, ginseng, turnip, any root or tuber crop, pepper, eggplant, ground cherry, tomatillo, okra, other fruiting vegetables, cucumber cantaloupe, melon, muskmelon, squash, watermelon and other cucurbit plants.

Further embodiments and the full scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-1B shows a schematic illustration of the tDNA plasmids used in Brachypodium experiments. pEBbVNi tDNA (FIG. 1A) was used for expression of the isolated polynucleotide sequences of some embodiments of the invention in Brachypodium. pEBbNi tDNA (FIG. 1B) was used for transformation into Brachypodium as a negative control. “RB”=right border; “2LB region”=2 repeats of left border; “35S”=35S promoter (SEQ ID NO:37 in FIG. 1A); “Ubiquitin promoter” SEQ ID NO:11 in both of FIGS. 1A and 1B; “NOS ter”=nopaline synthase terminator; “Bar ORF”—BAR open reading frame (GenBank Accession No. JQ293091.1; SEQ ID NO:38); The isolated polynucleotide sequences of some embodiments of the invention were cloned into the Multiple cloning site of the vector using one or more of the indicated restriction enzyme sites.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the pQ6sVN plasmid. pQ6sVN used for expression of the isolated polynucleotide sequences of some embodiments of the invention in Brachypodium. “35S(V)”=35S promoter (SEQ ID NO:37); “NOS ter”=nopaline synthase terminator; “Bar_GA”=BAR open reading frame optimized for expression in Brachypodium (SEQ ID NO:39); “Hygro”=Hygromycin resistance gene. “Ubi1 promoter”=SEQ ID NO:11; the isolated polynucleotide sequences of some embodiments of the invention were cloned into the Multiple cloning site of the vector (downstream of the “35S(V)” promoter) using one or more of the indicated restriction enzyme sites.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the pQsFN plasmid containing the new Arabidopsis thaliana 6669 promoter (SEQ ID NO: 25) used for expression of the isolated polynucleotide sequences of the invention in Arabidopsis. Right Border—T-DNA right border; Left Border—T-DNA left border; MCS—Multiple cloning site; NOS promoter=nopaline synthase promoter; NPT-II=neomycin phosphotransferase gene; NOS ter=nopaline synthase terminator; Poly-A signal (polyadenylation signal); The isolated polynucleotide sequences of the invention were cloned into the MCS of the vector.

FIGS. 4A-4H depict an exemplary design of Homology Directed Repair according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4A depicts the sequence of the endogenous 5′-upstream flanking region of the genomic sequence GRMZM2G069095 (SEQ ID NO:45). FIG. 4B depicts the sequence of the endogenous 3′-downstream flanking region of the genomic sequence GRMZM2G069095 having the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:46. FIG. 4C depicts the sequence of the 5′-UTR sgRNA (SEQ ID NO:43). FIG. 4D depicts the sequence of the 5′-UTR gRNA without NGG nucleotides (SEQ ID NO:47). FIG. 4E depicts the sequence of the 3′-UTR gRNA (SEQ ID NO:44). FIG. 4F depicts the sequence of the 3′-UTR gRNA after cut (SEQ ID NO:48). FIG. 4G depicts the coding sequence (from the “ATG” start codon to the “TGA” termination codon, marked by bold and underlined) of the desired LFS24 sequence (SEQ ID NO:50) encoding the polypeptide set forth by SEQ ID NO:589. FIG. 4H depicts the exemplary repair template (SEQ ID NO: 49) which includes (1) the upstream flanking region (1 kbp) sequence including part of the gRNA after cutting (SEQ ID NO:47; shown in bold and italics); (2) 5′ UTR of genomic DNA from Cas9 cutting site to ATG; (3) the coding sequence (CDS) of the desired LFS24 sequence (SEQ ID NO:50) marked in lower case with the start (ATG) and the stop (TGA) codons marked in bold and underlined; (4) 3′ UTR of genomic DNA from the stop codon to Cas9 cutting site including the predicted part of the gRNA after cutting (SEQ ID NO:48, shown in bold and underlined and (5) the downstream flanking region (1 kbp) sequence.

FIGS. 5A-5E depict an exemplary design of polynucleotide knockout (KO) using CRISPR/CAS system. FIG. 5A depicts the sequence of the KO gRNA (SEQ ID NO:51); FIG. 5B depicts the sequence of the KO gRNA (SEQ ID NO:52); FIG. 5C depicts the coding sequence (from the “ATG” start codon to the “TAG” termination codon, marked by bold and underlined) of the desired LFS39 sequence (SEQ ID NO:53); FIG. 5D (targeted region in bold) and FIG. 5E depicts the anticipated change in the coding sequence of the exemplified KO gene (SEQ ID NO:54).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses means and methods for conferring and/or enhancing the resistance of a plant to pathogenic fungi and/or Oomycetes. Particularly, the present invention provides isolated polypeptides conferring or enhancing plant resistance to pathogenic fungi and/or Oomycetes, isolated polynucleotides encoding same, nucleic acid constructs comprising the polynucleotides and plant cells transformed with same and methods for producing and selecting plants having increased resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete and plant with enhanced resistance to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete.

The present invention is based in part on bioinformatics tools that have been used to identify polynucleotides associated with resistance or reduced sensitivity of plants to at least one pathogenic fungus or pathogenic Oomycete. Cereal plants, including maize (Zea), Sorghum, wheat (Triticum) and barley (Hordeum) were used as representative genera to identify genes overexpressed or downregulated in plants showing increased resistance to fungal/Oomycetes infection, and genes comprising the nucleic acids sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-120, 528-532, and 565, encoding polypeptides having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:577-636, 940-942, and 966-977 were identified. Homologous genes and encoded proteins were also identified in wider genera of plant, as described in details and presented in Table 2 hereinbelow. Polynucleotides according to some embodiments of the present invention were cloned into binary vectors (Example 5, Table 13), and further transformed into plants of the species Brachypodium distachyon (Example 6 hereinbelow) to further validate the effect of the genes on the resistance of the transformed plants towards the fungi/Oomycetes.

Definitions

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the agricultural, chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.

When reference is made to particular sequence listings, such reference is to be understood to also encompass sequences that substantially correspond to its complementary sequence as including minor sequence variations, resulting from, e.g., sequencing errors, cloning errors, or other alterations resulting in base substitution, base deletion or base addition, provided that the frequency of such variations is less than 1 in 50 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 100 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 200 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 500 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 1000 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 5,000 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 10,000 nucleotides.

As used herein, the phrase “exogenous polynucleotide” refers to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence which is not naturally expressed within the plant (e.g., a nucleic acid sequence from a different species) or to an endogenous nucleic acid of which overexpression in the plant is desired. The exogenous polynucleotide may be introduced into the plant in a stable or transient manner, so as to produce a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule and/or a polypeptide molecule.

The term “endogenous” as used herein refers to a polynucleotide or polypeptide which is naturally present and/or naturally expressed within a plant or a cell thereof.

The term “heterologous” as used herein refers to polynucleotide or polypeptide which is not naturally present and/or naturally expressed within a plant or a cell thereof.

The terms “modulating”, “modifying” and “altering” with reference to the expression or activity of a polynucleotide, gene, polypeptide or a protein within a cell or a plurality of cells, particularly plant cell(s), are used herein interchangeably and refer to changing their level of within the cell, particularly plant cell. The change can be an increase or a decrease; and it can be measured as compared to any one of the polynucleotide, gene, polypeptide or and protein level within the same cell(s) before modulation and as compared to the level in a control plant or an average level from a plurality of control plants in which the expression was not modified by man.

According to certain embodiments, the control plant is a wild type plant not manipulated to have modulated expression and/or activity of the polypeptide. According to some embodiments, the control plant is of the same species. According to some embodiments, the control plant comprises the same genetic background.

According to certain embodiments, the examined plant and the control plant are grown under the same growing conditions.

As used herein, the term “resistance” with regard to plants pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete refers to a plant that is resistant to infection by a fungal or Oomycetous pathogen or resistant to the symptoms of fungal or Oomycetous pathogen infection. For example, a plant resistant to a fungal or Oomycetous pathogen can exhibit a lack of infection, or reduced symptoms of infection, when challenged with a pathogen. As another example, a plant resistant to a fungal or Oomycetous pathogen can be infected by the fungal or Oomycetous pathogen and yet exhibit a reduced number or degree of symptoms of said infection. As yet another example, a plant resistant to a fungal or Oomycetous pathogen can be infected by the pathogen and exhibit one or more symptoms of infection by the pathogen and yet exhibit a reduction in an effect of the infection or symptom thereof. For instance, a plant resistant to a fungal or Oomycetous pathogen can be infected by the pathogen, and exhibit one or more symptoms selected from the group consisting of leaf wilt, leaf or vascular discoloration (e.g., yellowing), spike bleaching etc., and yet exhibit a reduction in yield loss in comparison to a plant that is not resistant to the fungal or Oomycetous pathogen.

Accordingly, “confer resistance to a pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete” or “enhanced resistance to a pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete” refer to a phenotype in which a plant has greater health, growth, multiplication, fertility, vigor, strength (e.g., lodging resistance), yield, or less severe symptoms associated with infection of the pathogenic fungus or Oomycete during or after a fungal or Oomycete infection than an organism that does not have enhanced resistance to the pathogen. Where a plant is tested for resistance, a control plant is used to assess the degree of the plant resistance. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the control plant is a plant not manipulated to have modified expression of at least one polypeptide of the present invention. The control plant is typically, but not necessarily of the same species as the examined plant. According to some embodiments the control plant is of the same specifies and has the same genetic background as the examined plant. The enhancement can be an increase of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 15%, 17%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, or more in health, growth, multiplication, fertility, vigor, strength (e.g., lodging resistance), or yield, as compared to a control plant. The enhancement can be a decrease of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 15%, 17%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% in the symptoms associated with the pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete as compared to the control plant. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the examined plant and the control plant are grown under the same conditions.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, enhancing the resistance of a plant to a pathogenic fungus comprises enhancing the expression and/or activity of a polypeptide of the invention within at least one cell of the plant. As used herein, the expression of a polynucleotide or polypeptide of the invention is “enhanced” or “up-regulated” if the level of the polynucleotide or polypeptide is enhanced by at least 50%, i.e. the polynucleotide or polypeptide level is at least 1.5 fold higher compared to its level in a control plant or compared to a predetermined threshold level. According to some embodiments, the level of the polynucleotide or polypeptide is enhanced by at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 200%, 300% and more.

According to certain embodiments, the pre-determined resistance score value is obtained by inoculating a population of corresponding plants susceptible to the at least one pathogenic fungus, scoring the infection degree and setting an average resistance score value.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, enhancing the resistance of a plant to a pathogenic fungus comprises reducing the expression and/or activity of a polypeptide of the invention within at least one cell of the plant. As used herein, the expression of a polynucleotide or polypeptide of the invention is “reduced”, “inhibited”, “down regulated” or “knocked out” or “knocked down” if the level of the polynucleotide or polypeptide is reduced by at least 30% compared to its level in a control plant or compared to a predetermined threshold level. According to certain embodiments, the level of the polynucleotide or polypeptide is reduced by at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and more. According to some embodiments, the term “reduced expression” refers to 100% inhibition or “knockout” of a polynucleotide function and/or expression.

As used herein the term “polynucleotide” refers to a single or double stranded nucleic acid sequence which is isolated and provided in the form of an RNA sequence, a complementary polynucleotide sequence (cDNA), a genomic polynucleotide sequence and/or a composite polynucleotide sequences (e.g., a combination of the above).

As used herein the phrase “complementary polynucleotide sequence” refers to a sequence, which results from reverse transcription of messenger RNA using a reverse transcriptase or any other RNA dependent DNA polymerase. Such a sequence can be subsequently amplified in vivo or in vitro using a DNA dependent DNA polymerase.

The term “isolated” refers to at least partially separated from the natural environment e.g., from a plant cell.

As used herein the phrase “genomic polynucleotide sequence” refers to a sequence derived (isolated) from a chromosome and thus it represents a contiguous portion of a chromosome.

As used herein the phrase “composite polynucleotide sequence” refers to a sequence, which is at least partially complementary and at least partially genomic. A composite sequence can include some exonal sequences required to encode the polypeptide of the present invention, as well as some intronic sequences interposing therebetween. The intronic sequences can be of any source, including of other genes, and typically will include conserved splicing signal sequences. Such intronic sequences may further include cis acting expression regulatory elements.

It should be noted that the nucleic acid sequence of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide which is provided in the sequence listing as a single strand refers to the sense direction which is equivalent to the mRNA transcribed from the polynucleotide.

When reference is made to particular sequence listings, such reference is to be understood to also encompass sequences that substantially correspond to its complementary sequence as including minor sequence variations, resulting from, e.g., sequencing errors, cloning errors, or other alterations resulting in base substitution, base deletion or base addition, provided that the frequency of such variations is less than 1 in 50 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 100 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 200 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 500 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 1000 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 5,000 nucleotides, alternatively, less than 1 in 10,000 nucleotides.

As used herein, the phrase “exogenous polynucleotide” refers to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence which is not naturally expressed within the plant (e.g., a nucleic acid sequence from a different species) or to an endogenous nucleic acid of which overexpression in the plant is desired. The exogenous polynucleotide may be introduced into the plant in a stable or transient manner, so as to produce a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule and/or a polypeptide molecule.

The term “endogenous” as used herein refers to a polynucleotide or polypeptide which is naturally present and/or naturally expressed within a plant or a cell thereof.

The term “heterologous” as used herein refers to polynucleotide or polypeptide which is not naturally present and/or naturally expressed within a plant or a cell thereof.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a method for enhancing the resistance of a plant or a part thereof to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous to, or identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939 within at least one cell of the plant or part thereof, thereby enhancing the resistance of said plant or part thereof to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycetes compared to the resistance of a control plant. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for enhancing the resistance of a plant or a part thereof to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising modulating the expression of at least one polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous to, or identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939 within at least one cell of the plant or part thereof, thereby enhancing the resistance of said plant or part thereof to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete compared to the resistance of a corresponding control plant. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the polypeptide is 80%-99% homologous to any one of the polypeptides set forth in SEQ ID NOs:571-939. According to other embodiments, the polypeptide is 85%-95% homologous to any one of the polypeptides set forth in SEQ ID NOs:571-939. According to other embodiments, the polypeptide is 90%-99% homologous to any one of the polypeptides set forth in SEQ ID NOs:571-939. According to certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to certain embodiments, the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to yet additional aspect, the present invention provides a method for enhancing the resistance of a plant or a part thereof to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising modulating the expression of at least one polynucleotide at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous to, or identical to a polynucleotide having an nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:55-527 within at least one cell of the plant or part thereof, thereby enhancing the resistance of said plant or part thereof to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycetes compared to the resistance of a control plant. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide is 80%-99% homologous to any one of the polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOs:55-527. According to other embodiments, the polynucleotide is 85%-95% homologous to any one of the polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOs:55-527. According to other embodiments, the polynucleotide is 90%-99% homologous to any one of the polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOs:55-527.

According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acids sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. According to other embodiments, the exogenous polynucleotide consists of a nucleic acids sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a population of plants each having an enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus or Oomycete, comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one         polypeptide at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least         about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least         about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least         about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least         about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least         about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least         about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more         homologous to, or identical to a polypeptide having an amino         acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID         NOs:571-939 within at least one cell of each plant of the plant         population as to produce a genetically engineered plant         population;     -   (b) inoculating each plant of the genetically engineered plant         population with the at least one pathogenic fungus; and     -   (c) selecting plants showing an enhanced resistance to said at         least one pathogenic fungus compared to a control or to a         pre-determined resistance score value;

thereby producing a population of genetically engineered plants having enhanced resistance to said at least one pathogenic fungus.

According to certain embodiments, the method comprises modulating the expression and/or activity of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-977. According to other embodiments, the method comprise enhancing the expression and/or activity of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:965-977. According to yet additional embodiments, the method comprises enhancing the expression and/or activity of a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-977.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides a method for selecting a plant having an enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a plurality of plants each comprising at least one         cell with modulated expression and/or activity of a polypeptide         at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at         least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at         least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at         least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at         least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at         least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at         least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous to, or         identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence         selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939;     -   (b) inoculating the plurality of plants with the at least one         pathogenic fungus or Oomycete; and     -   (c) selecting plants showing an enhanced resistance to said at         least one pathogenic fungus or Oomycete compared to a control         plant or to a pre-determined resistance score value.

According to certain embodiments, the method comprises providing a plurality of plants each comprising at least one cell with modulated expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-977. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to other embodiments, the method comprises providing a plurality of plants each having modulated expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:965-977. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The plurality of plants having modulated expression and/or activity of the polypeptide may include plants having at least one cell with enhanced expression and/or activity of the polypeptide, plants having at least one cell with reduced expression and/or activity of the polypeptide or a combination thereof. Enhancing or reducing the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide can be performed as is known in the Art and as described hereinbelow.

Methods of enhancing the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide within the plant cell are known in the art.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for conferring and/or enhancing the resistance of a grafted plant to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, the method comprising providing a scion and a rootstock, wherein the rootstock exhibits enhanced resistance to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, said rootstock comprises at least one cell with a modulated expression of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939 compared to the scion and grafting said scion onto said rootstock, thereby producing a grafted plant having an enhanced resistance to said at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for conferring and/or enhancing the resistance of a grafted plant to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, the method comprising providing a scion and a rootstock, the scion having an enhances resistance to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, said scion comprises at least one cell with modulated expression of at least one polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939 compared to the rootstock, and grafting said scion onto said rootstock, thereby producing a grafted plant having an enhanced resistance to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete.

According to certain embodiments, the polypeptide expressed in the scion or in the rootstock comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-964.

According to certain embodiments, the scion or rootstock having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprises at least one cell with enhanced expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide or the nucleotide encoding same. According to other embodiments, the scion or rootstock having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprises at least one cell with reduced expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide or the nucleotide encoding same.

According to certain embodiments, the rootstock or the scion having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete over-expresses a polynucleotide about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to a nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, and 183. According to some embodiments, the polynucleotide over-expressed in the rootstock or the scion comprises nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536.

According to some embodiments, the at least one polynucleotide is constitutively expressed in the transgenic rootstock. According to some embodiments, the at least one polynucleotide is expressed in the transgenic rootstock in a tissue specific or inducible manner. According to some embodiments, the expression of the at least one polynucleotide is induced by biotic stress, particularly by fungi infection.

According to certain embodiments, the rootstock or the scion having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete exhibit reduced expression of a polynucleotide about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to a nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:74, 87, 103, 139, 152, and 167. According to some embodiments, the polynucleotide the expression of which is reduced in the rootstock or the scion comprises nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 74, 87, 103, 139, 152, and 167.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides a method of growing a crop plant having enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) selecting a parent plant having a modulated expression of at         least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence         encoding a polypeptide at least about 80%, at least about 81%,         at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at         least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at         least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at         least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at         least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at         least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at         least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to the amino         acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID         NOs:5571-939, for enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic         fungus and/or Oomycete; and     -   (b) growing a progeny crop plant of the parent plant, wherein         the progeny crop plant having modulated expression of the         polynucleotide has an enhanced resistance to the at least one         pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete.

According to certain embodiments, the encoded polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. According to some embodiments, the encoded polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous to, or identical to a nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-527. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. According to some embodiments, the polynucleotide consists of the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the modulated expression of the least one polynucleotide comprises up-regulation of said polynucleotide expression. According to certain embodiments, the modulated expression of the at least one polynucleotide comprises down-regulation of said polynucleotide expression.

According to yet additional aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing seeds of a crop comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) selecting a parent plant having a modulated expression of at         least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence         encoding a polypeptide at least about 80%, at least about 81%,         at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at         least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at         least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at         least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at         least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at         least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at         least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to the amino         acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID         NOs:571-939 for enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic         fungus and/or Oomycete;     -   (b) growing the selected parent plant of step (a) to produce         seeds;     -   (c) harvesting the produced seeds.

According to certain embodiments, the encoded polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. According to some embodiments, the encoded polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the modulated expression of the least one polynucleotide comprises up-regulation of said polynucleotide expression. According to certain embodiments, the modulated expression of the least one polynucleotide comprises down-regulation of said polynucleotide expression.

According to some embodiments, the parent plant is transformed with at least one polynucleotide comprising the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536. According to some embodiments, the polynucleotide consists of the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70, 136, 57, 59-62, 69, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536.

According to certain embodiments, the seeds produced by the method of the invention comprise at least one cell having modulated expression of the polynucleotide. According to some embodiments, plants grown from the produced seed have enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete.

The present invention encompasses polynucleotides identified to be associated with resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete polypeptides encoded by same and homologs thereto.

According to certain embodiments, the exogenous polynucleotides employed in the methods of the present invention encode a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous to, or identical to an amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:577-636, 940-942, and 966-977.

According to certain embodiments, the exogenous polynucleotides employed in the methods of the present invention comprise a nucleic acid sequence at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous to, or identical to a nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-120, 528-532, and 565.

Homologous sequences include both orthologous and paralogous sequences. The term “paralogous” relates to gene-duplications within the genome of a species leading to paralogous genes. The term “orthologous” relates to homologous genes in different organisms due to ancestral relationship. Thus, orthologs are evolutionary counterparts derived from a single ancestral gene in the last common ancestor of given two species (Koonin E V and Galperin M Y 2003. Sequence-Evolution-Function: Computational Approaches in Comparative Genomics. Boston: Kluwer Academic; Chapter 2, Evolutionary Concept in Genetics and Genomics) and therefore have great likelihood of having the same function.

One option to identify orthologues in monocot or in dicot plant species is by performing a reciprocal blast search. This may be done by a first blast involving blasting the sequence-of-interest against any sequence database, such as the publicly available NCBI database which may be found at: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. If orthologues in rice were sought, the sequence-of-interest would be blasted against, for example, the 28,469 full-length cDNA clones from Oryza sativa Nipponbare available at NCBI. The blast results may be filtered. The full-length sequences of either the filtered results or the non-filtered results are then blasted back (second blast) against the sequences of the organism from which the sequence-of-interest is derived. The results of the first and second blasts are then compared. An ortholog is identified when the sequence resulting in the highest score (best hit) in the first blast identifies in the second blast the query sequence (the original sequence-of-interest) as the best hit. Using the same rational a paralog (homolog to a gene in the same organism) is found. In case of large sequence families, the ClustalW program may be used (ebi.ac.uk/Tools/clustalw2/index.html), followed by a neighbor-joining tree (Wikipedia.org/wiki/Neighbor-joining) which helps visualizing the clustering.

Homology (e.g., percent homology, sequence identity+sequence similarity) can be determined using any homology comparison software computing a pairwise sequence alignment.

As used herein, “sequence identity” or “identity” in the context of two nucleic acid or polypeptide sequences includes reference to the residues in the two sequences which are the same when aligned. When percentage of sequence identity is used in reference to proteins it is recognized that residue positions which are not identical often differ by conservative amino acid substitutions, where amino acid residues are substituted for other amino acid residues with similar chemical properties (e.g. charge or hydrophobicity) and therefore do not change the functional properties of the molecule. Where sequences differ in conservative substitutions, the percent sequence identity may be adjusted upwards to correct for the conservative nature of the substitution. Sequences which differ by such conservative substitutions are considered to have “sequence similarity” or “similarity”. Means for making this adjustment are well-known to those of skill in the art. Typically this involves scoring a conservative substitution as a partial rather than a full mismatch, thereby increasing the percentage sequence identity. Thus, for example, where an identical amino acid is given a score of 1 and a non-conservative substitution is given a score of zero, a conservative substitution is given a score between zero and 1. The scoring of conservative substitutions is calculated, e.g., according to the algorithm of Henikoff S and Henikoff J G. (Amino acid substitution matrices from protein blocks. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 1992, 89(22): 10915-9).

Identity (e.g., percent homology) can be determined using any homology comparison software, including for example, the BlastN software of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) such as by using default parameters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the identity is a global identity, i.e., an identity over the entire amino acid or nucleic acid sequences of the invention and not over portions thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the term “homology” or “homologous” refers to identity of two or more nucleic acid sequences; or identity of two or more amino acid sequences; or the identity of an amino acid sequence to one or more nucleic acid sequence.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the homology is a global homology, i.e., a homology over the entire amino acid or nucleic acid sequences of the invention and not over portions thereof.

The degree of homology or identity between two or more sequences can be determined using various known sequence comparison tools. Following is a non-limiting description of such tools which can be used along with some embodiments of the invention.

Pairwise global alignment was defined by S. B. Needleman and C. D. Wunsch, “A general method applicable to the search of similarities in the amino acid sequence of two proteins” Journal of Molecular Biology, 1970, pages 443-53, volume 48).

For example, when starting from a polypeptide sequence and comparing to other polypeptide sequences, the EMBOSS-6.0.1 Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (available from emboss(dot)sourceforge(dot)net/apps/cvs/emboss/apps/needle(dot)html) can be used to find the optimum alignment (including gaps) of two sequences along their entire length—a “Global alignment”. Default parameters for Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (EMBOSS-6.0.1) include: gapopen=10; gapextend=0.5; datafile=EBLOSUM62; brief=YES.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the parameters used with the EMBOSS-6.0.1 tool (for protein-protein comparison) include: gapopen=8; gapextend=2; datafile=EBLOSUM62; brief=YES.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the threshold used to determine homology using the EMBOSS-6.0.1 Needleman-Wunsch algorithm is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 8%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 9%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%.

When starting from a polypeptide sequence and comparing to polynucleotide sequences, the OneModel FramePlus algorithm [Halperin, E., Faigler, S. and Gill-More, R. (1999)—FramePlus: aligning DNA to protein sequences. Bioinformatics, 15, 867-873) (available from biocceleration(dot)com/Products(dot)html] can be used with following default parameters: model=frame+_p2n.model mode=local.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the parameters used with the OneModel FramePlus algorithm are model=frame+_p2n.model, mode=qglobal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the threshold used to determine homology using the OneModel FramePlus algorithm is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 8%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 9%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%.

When starting with a polynucleotide sequence and comparing to other polynucleotide sequences the EMBOSS-6.0.1 Needleman-Wunsch algorithm (available from emboss(dot)sourceforge(dot)net/apps/cvs/emboss/apps/needle(dot)html) can be used with the following default parameters: (EMBOSS-6.0.1) gapopen=10; gapextend=0.5; datafile=EDNAFULL; brief=YES.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the parameters used with the EMBOSS-6.0.1 Needleman-Wunsch algorithm are gapopen=10; gapextend=0.2; datafile=EDNAFULL; brief=YES.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the threshold used to determine homology using the EMBOSS-6.0.1 Needleman-Wunsch algorithm for comparison of polynucleotides with polynucleotides is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 8%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 9%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%.

According to some embodiment, determination of the degree of homology further requires employing the Smith-Waterman algorithm (for protein-protein comparison or nucleotide-nucleotide comparison).

Default parameters for GenCore 6.0 Smith-Waterman algorithm include: model=sw.model.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the threshold used to determine homology using the Smith-Waterman algorithm is 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 8%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 9%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the global homology is performed on sequences which are pre-selected by local homology to the polypeptide or polynucleotide of interest (e.g., 60% identity over 60% of the sequence length), prior to performing the global homology to the polypeptide or polynucleotide of interest (e.g., 80% global homology on the entire sequence). For example, homologous sequences are selected using the BLAST software with the Blastp and tBlastn algorithms as filters for the first stage, and the needle (EMBOSS package) or Frame+ algorithm alignment for the second stage. Local identity (Blast alignments) is defined with a very permissive cutoff −60% Identity on a span of 60% of the sequences lengths because it is used only as a filter to for the global alignment stage. In this specific embodiment (when the local identity is used), the default filtering of the Blast package is not utilized (by setting the parameter “-F F”).

In the second stage, homologs are defined based on a global identity of at least 80% to the core gene polypeptide sequence.

According to some embodiments of the invention, two distinct forms for finding the optimal global alignment for protein or nucleotide sequences are used:

1. Between Two Proteins (Following the Blastp Filter):

EMBOSS-6.0.1 Needleman-Wunsch algorithm with the following modified parameters: gapopen=8 gapextend=2. The rest of the parameters are unchanged from the default options listed here:

Standard (Mandatory) qualifiers:

[-asequence] sequence Sequence filename and optional format, or reference (input USA)

[-bsequence] seqall Sequence(s) filename and optional format, or reference (input USA)

-gapopen float [10.0 for any sequence]. The gap open penalty is the score taken away when a gap is created. The best value depends on the choice of comparison matrix. The default value assumes you are using the EBLOSUM62 matrix for protein sequences, and the EDNAFULL matrix for nucleotide sequences. (Floating point number from 1.0 to 100.0)

-gapextend float [0.5 for any sequence]. The gap extension, penalty is added to the standard gap penalty for each base or residue in the gap. This is how long gaps are penalized. Usually you will expect a few long gaps rather than many short gaps, so the gap extension penalty should be lower than the gap penalty. An exception is where one or both sequences are single reads with possible sequencing errors in which case you would expect many single base gaps. You can get this result by setting the gap open penalty to zero (or very low) and using the gap extension penalty to control gap scoring. (Floating point number from 0.0 to 10.0)

[-outfile] align [*.needle] Output alignment file name

Additional (Optional) Qualifiers:

-datafile matrixf [EBLOSUM62 for protein, EDNAFULL for DNA]. This is the scoring matrix file used when comparing sequences. By default it is the file ‘EBLOSUM62’ (for proteins) or the file ‘EDNAFULL’ (for nucleic sequences). These files are found in the ‘data’ directory of the EMBOSS installation.

Advanced (Unprompted) Qualifiers:

-[no]brief boolean [Y] Brief identity and similarity

Associated Qualifiers:

“-asequence” associated qualifiers -sbegin1 integer Start of the sequence to be used -send1 integer End of the sequence to be used -sreverse1 boolean Reverse (if DNA) -sask1 boolean Ask for begin/end/reverse -snucleotide1 boolean Sequence is nucleotide -sprotein1 boolean Sequence is protein -slower1 boolean Make lower case -supper1 boolean Make upper case -sformat1 string Input sequence format -sdbname1 string Database name -sid1 string Entryname -ufo1 string UFO features -fformat1 string Features format -fopenfile1 string Features file name “-bsequence” associated qualifiers -sbegin2 integer Start of each sequence to be used -send2 integer End of each sequence to be used -sreverse2 boolean Reverse (if DNA) -sask2 boolean Ask for begin/end/reverse -snucleotide2 boolean Sequence is nucleotide -sprotein2 boolean Sequence is protein -slower2 boolean Make lower case -supper2 boolean Make upper case -sformat2 string Input sequence format -sdbname2 string Database name -sid2 string Entryname -ufo2 string UFO features -fformat2 string Features format -fopenfile2 string Features file name “-outfile” associated qualifiers -aformat3 string Alignment format -aextension3 string File name extension -adirectory3 string Output directory -aname3 string Base file name -awidth3 integer Alignment width -aaccshow3 boolean Show accession number in the header -adesshow3 boolean Show description in the header -ausashow3 boolean Show the full USA in the alignment -aglobal3 boolean Show the full sequence in alignment

General Qualifiers:

-auto boolean Turn off prompts -stdout boolean Write first file to standard output -filter boolean Read first file from standard input, write first file to standard output -options boolean Prompt for standard and additional values -debug boolean Write debug output to program, dbg -verbose boolean Report some/full command line options -help boolean Report command line options. More information on associated and general qualifiers can be found with -help -verbose -warning boolean Report warnings -error boolean Report errors -fatal boolean Report fatal errors -die boolean Report dying program messages 2. Between a Protein Sequence and a Nucleotide Sequence (Following the tblastn Filter):

GenCore 6.0 OneModel application utilizing the Frame+ algorithm with the following parameters: model=frame+_p2n.model mode=qglobal-q=protein. sequence-db=nucleotide. sequence. The rest of the parameters are unchanged from the default options:

Usage:

om -model=<model_fname>[-q=]query [-db=]database [options]

-model=<model_fname> Specifies the model that you want to run. All models supplied by Compugen are located in the directory $CGNROOT/models/.

Valid Command Line Parameters:

-dev=<dev_name> Selects the device to be used by the application.

Valid Devices are:

bic—Bioccelerator (valid for SW, XSW, FRAME N2P, and FRAME_P2N models).

xlg—BioXL/G (valid for all models except XSW).

xlp—BioXL/P (valid for SW, FRAME+_N2P, and

FRAME_P2N models).

xlh—BioXL/H (valid for SW, FRAME+_N2P, and

FRAME_P2N models).

soft—Software device (for all models).

-q=<query> Defines the query set. The query can be a sequence file or a database reference. You can specify a query by its name or by accession number. The format is detected automatically. However, you may specify a format using the -qfmt parameter. If you do not specify a query, the program prompts for one. If the query set is a database reference, an output file is produced for each sequence in the query.

-db=<database name> Chooses the database set. The database set can be a sequence file or a database reference. The database format is detected automatically. However, you may specify a format using -dfmt parameter.

-qacc Add this parameter to the command line if you specify query using accession numbers.

-dacc Add this parameter to the command line if you specify a database using accession numbers.

-dfmt/-qfmt=<format_type> Chooses the database/query format type. Possible formats are:

fasta—fasta with seq type auto-detected.

fastap—fasta protein seq.

fastan—fasta nucleic seq.

gcg—gcg format, type is auto-detected.

gcg9seq—gcg9 format, type is auto-detected.

gcg9seqp—gcg9 format protein seq.

gcg9seqn—gcg9 format nucleic seq.

nbrf—nbrf seq, type is auto-detected.

nbrfp—nbrf protein seq.

nbrfn—nbrf nucleic seq.

embl—embl and swissprot format.

genbank—genbank format (nucleic).

blast—blast format.

nbrf_gcg—nbrf-gcg seq, type is auto-detected.

nbrf_gcgp—nbrf-gcg protein seq.

nbrf_gcgn—nbrf-gcg nucleic seq.

raw—raw ascii sequence, type is auto-detected.

rawp—raw ascii protein sequence.

rawn—raw ascii nucleic sequence.

pir—pir codata format, type is auto-detected.

profile—gcg profile (valid only for -qfmt

in SW, XSW, FRAME_P2N, and FRAME+P2N).

-out=<out fname> The name of the output file.

-suffix=<name> The output file name suffix.

-gapop=<n> Gap open penalty. This parameter is not valid for FRAME+. For

FrameSearch the default is 12.0. For other searches the default is 10.0.

-gapext=<n> Gap extend penalty. This parameter is not valid for FRAME+. For FrameSearch the default is 4.0. For other models: the default for protein searches is 0.05, and the default for nucleic searches is 1.0.

-qgapop=<n> The penalty for opening a gap in the query sequence. The default is 10.0. Valid for XSW.

-qgapext=<n> The penalty for extending a gap in the query sequence. The default is 0.05. Valid for XSW.

-start=<n> The position in the query sequence to begin the search.

-end=<n> The position in the query sequence to stop the search.

-qtrans Performs a translated search, relevant for a nucleic query against a protein database. The nucleic query is translated to six reading frames and a result is given for each frame.

Valid for SW and XSW.

-dtrans Performs a translated search, relevant for a protein query against a DNA database. Each database entry is translated to six reading frames and a result is given for each frame.

Valid for SW and XSW.

Note: “-qtrans” and “-dtrans” options are mutually exclusive.

-matrix=<matrix_file> Specifies the comparison matrix to be used in the search. The matrix must be in the BLAST format. If the matrix file is not located in $CGNROOT/tables/matrix, specify the full path as the value of the -matrix parameter.

-trans=<transtab_name> Translation table. The default location for the table is $CGNROOT/tables/trans.

-onestrand Restricts the search to just the top strand of the query/database nucleic sequence.

-list=<n> The maximum size of the output hit list. The default is 50.

-docalign=<n> The number of documentation lines preceding each alignment. The default is 10.

-thr_score=<score_name> The score that places limits on the display of results. Scores that are smaller than -thr_min value or larger than -thr_max value are not shown. Valid options are: quality.

zscore.

escore.

-thr_max=<n> The score upper threshold. Results that are larger than -thr_max value are not shown.

-thr_min=<n> The score lower threshold. Results that are lower than -thr_min value are not shown.

-align=<n> The number of alignments reported in the output file.

-noalign Do not display alignment.

Note: “-align” and “-noalign” parameters are mutually exclusive.

-outfmt=<format_name> Specifies the output format type. The default format is PFS. Possible values are:

PFS—PFS text format

FASTA—FASTA text format

BLAST—BLAST text format

-nonorm Do not perform score normalization.

-norm=<norm_name> Specifies the normalization method. Valid options are:

log—logarithm normalization.

std—standard normalization.

stat—Pearson statistical method.

Note: “-nonorm” and “-norm” parameters cannot be used together.

Note: Parameters -xgapop, -xgapext, -fgapop, -fgapext, -ygapop, -ygapext, -delop, and -delext apply only to FRAME+.

-xgapop=<n> The penalty for opening a gap when inserting a codon (triplet). The default is 12.0.

-xgapext=<n> The penalty for extending a gap when inserting a codon (triplet). The default is 4.0.

-ygapop=<n> The penalty for opening a gap when deleting an amino acid. The default is 12.0.

-ygapext=<n> The penalty for extending a gap when deleting an amino acid. The default is 4.0.

-fgapop=<n> The penalty for opening a gap when inserting a DNA base. The default is 6.0.

-fgapext=<n> The penalty for extending a gap when inserting a DNA base. The default is 7.0.

-delop=<n> The penalty for opening a gap when deleting a DNA base. The default is 6.0.

-delext=<n> The penalty for extending a gap when deleting a DNA base. The default is 7.0.

-silent No screen output is produced.

-host=<host_name> The name of the host on which the server runs. By default, the application uses the host specified in the file $CGNROOT/cgnhosts.

-wait Do not go to the background when the device is busy. This option is not relevant for the Parseq or Soft pseudo device.

-batch Run the job in the background. When this option is specified, the file “$CGNROOT/defaults/batch.defaults” is used for choosing the batch command. If this file does not exist, the command “at now” is used to run the job.

Note: “-batch” and “-wait” parameters are mutually exclusive.

-version Prints the software version number.

-help Displays this help message. To get more specific help type:

-   -   “om -model=<model_fname>-help”.

According to some embodiments the homology is a local homology or a local identity.

Local alignments tools include, but are not limited to the BlastP, BlastN, BlastX or TBLASTN software of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), FASTA, and the Smith-Waterman algorithm.

A tblastn search allows the comparison between a protein sequence to the six-frame translations of a nucleotide database. It can be a very productive way of finding homologous protein coding regions in unannotated nucleotide sequences such as expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and draft genome records (HTG), located in the BLAST databases est and htgs, respectively.

Default parameters for blastp include: Max target sequences: 100; Expected threshold: e-5; Word size: 3; Max matches in a query range: 0; Scoring parameters: Matrix—BLOSUM62; filters and masking: Filter—low complexity regions.

Local alignments tools, which can be used include, but are not limited to, the tBLASTX algorithm, which compares the six-frame conceptual translation products of a nucleotide query sequence (both strands) against a protein sequence database. Default parameters include: Max target sequences: 100; Expected threshold: 10; Word size: 3; Max matches in a query range: 0; Scoring parameters: Matrix—BLOSUM62; filters and masking: Filter—low complexity regions.

Modulating the expression and/or activity of the polypeptides of the present invention within a plant cell as to enhance the resistance of the plant to the pathogenic fungi and/or Oomycetes may include enhancing the expression and/or activity of polypeptides identified to positively contribute to the plant defense mechanism against the pathogenic fungi, or reducing the expression and/or activity of those polypeptides found to be associated with susceptibility to the fungus or Oomycete infection.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the resistance of the plant or part thereof to the pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprises enhancing the expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide compared to its expression and/or activity in the control plant.

According to certain aspects, the present invention provides a method for enhancing the resistance of a plant or a part thereof to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprising expressing at least one exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous to, or identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, and 651-654 within at least one cell of the plant or part thereof, thereby enhancing the resistance of said plant or part thereof to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete compared to the resistance of a control plant. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to certain embodiments, the method comprises expression at least one exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide comprises introducing into at least one cell of the plant or part thereof an exogenous polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide, thereby producing a transgenic plant over-expressing said polypeptide compared to the control plant.

According to certain embodiments, the exogenous polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide endogenous to the at least one cell. According to other embodiments, the exogenous polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide heterologous to the at least one plant cell.

According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous to, or identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, and 183. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the polynucleotide is 80%-99% homologous to any one of the polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, and 183. According to other embodiments, the polynucleotide is 85%-95% homologous to any one of the polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, and 183. According to other embodiments, the polynucleotide is 90%-99% homologous to any one of the polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, and 183

According to other embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises the nucleic acid sequence set for the one any one of SEQ ID NOs:57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to additional embodiments, the polynucleotide consists of the nucleic acid sequence set for the one any one of SEQ ID NOs: 57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides of the present invention may be optimized for expression. Examples of such sequence modifications include, but are not limited to, an altered G/C content to more closely approach that typically found in the plant species of interest, and the removal of codons atypically found in the plant species commonly referred to as codon optimization.

The phrase “codon optimization” refers to the selection of appropriate DNA nucleotides for use within a structural gene or fragment thereof that approaches codon usage within the plant of interest, and/or to a process of modifying a nucleic acid sequence for enhanced expression in the host cells of interest by replacing at least one codon (e.g., about or more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, or more codons) of the native sequence with codons that are more frequently or most frequently used in the genes of that host cell while maintaining the native amino acid sequence. Various species exhibit particular bias for certain codons of a particular amino acid. Codon bias (differences in codon usage between organisms) often correlates with the efficiency of translation of messenger RNA (mRNA), which is in turn believed to be dependent on, among other things, the properties of the codons being translated and the availability of particular transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. The predominance of selected tRNAs in a cell is generally a reflection of the codons used most frequently in peptide synthesis. Accordingly, genes can be tailored for optimal gene expression in a given organism based on codon optimization. Therefore, an optimized gene or nucleic acid sequence refers to a gene in which the nucleotide sequence of a native or naturally occurring gene has been modified in order to utilize statistically-preferred or statistically-favored codons within the plant. The nucleotide sequence typically is examined at the DNA level and the coding region optimized for expression in the plant species determined using any suitable procedure. For example (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,214,862), the standard deviation of codon usage (SDCU), a measure of codon usage bias, may be calculated by first finding the squared proportional deviation of usage of each codon of the native gene relative to that of highly expressed plant genes, followed by a calculation of the average squared deviation. The formula used is:

$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{N}{\left\lbrack {\left( {X_{n} - Y_{n}} \right)/Y_{n}} \right\rbrack{2/N}}$

wherein Xn refers to the frequency of usage of codon n in highly expressed plant genes, where Yn to the frequency of usage of codon n in the gene of interest and N refers to the total number of codons in the gene of interest. A Table of codon usage from highly expressed genes of dicotyledonous plants is compiled using the data of Murray et al. (1989, Nuc Acids Res. 17:477-498).

Alternative method of optimizing the nucleic acid sequence in accordance with the preferred codon usage for a particular plant cell type is based on the direct use, without performing any extra statistical calculations, of codon optimization Tables such as those provided on-line at the Codon Usage Database through the NIAS (National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences) DNA bank in Japan (www.kazusa.or.jp/codon/). The Codon Usage Database contains codon usage tables for a number of different species, with each codon usage Table having been statistically determined based on the data present in Genbank.

By using the tables described above to determine the most preferred or most favored codons for each amino acid in a particular species (for example, rice), a naturally-occurring nucleotide sequence encoding a protein of interest can be codon optimized for that particular plant species. This is affected by replacing codons that may have a low statistical incidence in the particular species genome with corresponding codons, in regard to an amino acid, that are statistically more favored. However, one or more less-favored codons may be selected to delete existing restriction sites, to create new ones at potentially useful junctions (5′ and 3′ ends to add signal peptide or termination cassettes, internal sites that might be used to cut and splice segments together to produce a correct full-length sequence), or to eliminate nucleotide sequences that may negatively affect mRNA stability or expression.

The naturally-occurring encoding nucleotide sequence may already, in advance of any modification, contain a number of codons that correspond to a statistically-favored codon in a particular plant species. Therefore, codon optimization of the native nucleotide sequence may comprise determining which codons, within the native nucleotide sequence, are not statistically-favored with regards to a particular plant, and modifying these codons in accordance with a codon usage table of the particular plant to produce a codon optimized derivative. A modified nucleotide sequence may be fully or partially optimized for plant codon usage provided that the protein encoded by the modified nucleotide sequence is produced at a level higher than the protein encoded by the corresponding naturally occurring or native gene. Construction of synthetic genes by altering the codon usage is described in for example PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 93/07278.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939. According to certain embodiments, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. According to additional embodiments, the present invention provides an isolated polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. According to certain embodiments, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:940-964. According to certain embodiments, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:940-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

The invention also encompasses fragments of the above described polypeptides and polypeptides having mutations, such as deletions, insertions or substitutions of one or more amino acids, either naturally occurring or man induced, either randomly or in a targeted fashion.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide, a fragment or a mutant thereof, the polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acids sequence at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:55-527. According to certain embodiments, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide, a fragment or a mutant thereof, the polynucleotide comprising the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. According to additional embodiments, the present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide, a fragment or a mutant thereof, the polynucleotide consisting of the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:55-564.

The isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention and the fragment thereof are associated with conferring and/or increasing the resistance of a plant to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the exogenous polynucleotide is a non-coding RNA.

As used herein the phrase ‘non-coding RNA” refers to an RNA molecule which does not encode an amino acid sequence (a polypeptide). Examples of such non-coding RNA molecules include, but are not limited to, an antisense RNA, a pre-miRNA (precursor of a microRNA), or a precursor of a Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA).

Thus, the invention encompasses nucleic acid sequences described hereinabove; fragments thereof, sequences hybridizable therewith, sequences homologous thereto, sequences encoding similar polypeptides with different codon usage, altered sequences characterized by mutations, such as deletion, insertion or substitution of one or more nucleotides, either naturally occurring or man induced, either randomly or in a targeted fashion.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides a nucleic acid construct comprising the isolated polynucleotide of the invention, further comprising at least one regulatory element for directing transcription of the nucleic acid sequence in a host plant cell.

According to some embodiments of the invention, expressing the exogenous polynucleotide of the invention within a plant is effected by transforming one or more cells of the plant with the exogenous polynucleotide, followed by generating a mature plant from the transformed cells and cultivating the mature plant under conditions suitable for expressing the exogenous polynucleotide within the mature plant.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the transformation is effected by introducing to the plant cell a nucleic acid construct which includes the exogenous polynucleotide of some embodiments of the invention and at least one promoter for directing transcription of the exogenous polynucleotide in a host cell (a plant cell). Further details of suitable transformation approaches are provided hereinbelow.

As mentioned, the nucleic acid construct according to some embodiments of the invention comprises a promoter sequence and the isolated polynucleotide of some embodiments of the invention.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the isolated polynucleotide is operably linked to the promoter sequence.

A coding nucleic acid sequence is “operably linked” to a regulatory sequence (e.g., promoter) if the regulatory sequence is capable of exerting a regulatory effect on the coding sequence linked thereto.

As used herein, the term “promoter” refers to a region of DNA which lies upstream of the transcriptional initiation site of a gene to which RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription of RNA. The promoter controls where (e.g., which portion of a plant) and/or when (e.g., at which stage or condition in the lifetime of an organism) the gene is expressed.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the promoter is heterologous to the isolated polynucleotide and/or to the host cell.

As used herein the phrase “heterologous promoter” refers to a promoter from a different species or from the same species but from a different gene locus as of the isolated polynucleotide sequence.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the isolated polynucleotide is heterologous to the plant cell (e.g., the polynucleotide is derived from a different plant species when compared to the plant cell, thus the isolated polynucleotide and the plant cell are not from the same plant species).

Any suitable promoter sequence can be used by the nucleic acid construct of the present invention. Preferably the promoter is selected from the group consisting of a constitutive promoter, a tissue-specific, or biotic-stress specific promoter, particularly promoters inducible by fungi infection.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the promoter is a plant promoter, which is suitable for expression of the exogenous polynucleotide in a plant cell.

Suitable promoters for expression in wheat include, but are not limited to, Wheat SPA promoter (SEQ ID NO:1; Albanietal, 1997. Plant Cell, 9:171-184); wheat LMW [SEQ ID NO:2 (longer LMW promoter) and SEQ ID NO:3 (LMW promoter)]; HMW glutenin-1 [SEQ ID NO:4; (Wheat HMW glutenin-1 longer promoter); and SEQ ID NO:5 (Wheat HMW glutenin-1 Promoter); Thomas and Flavell, 1990. The Plant Cell 2:1171-1180; Furtado et al., 2009. Plant Biotechnology Journal 7:240-253]; wheat alpha, beta and gamma gliadins [e.g., SEQ ID NO:6 (wheat alpha gliadin, B genome, promoter); SEQ ID NO:7 (wheat gamma gliadin promoter); Rafalski J A et al. 1984. EMBO 3:1409-1415], wheat TdPR60 [SEQ ID NO:8 (wheat TdPR60 longer promoter) or SEQ ID NO:9 (wheat TdPR60 promoter); Kovalchuk et al., 2009. Plant Mol Biol 71:81-98], maize Ub1 Promoter [cultivar Nongda 105 (SEQ ID NO:10); GenBank: DQ141598.1; Taylor et al., 1993. Plant Cell Rep 12: 491-495; and cultivar B73 (SEQ ID NO:11; Christensen, A H et al. 1992. Plant Mol. Biol. 18(4):675-689); rice actin 1 (SEQ ID NO:12; Mc Elroy et al. 1990, The Plant Cell (2):163-171 rice GOS2 [SEQ ID NO:13 (rice GOS2 longer promoter) and SEQ ID NO:14 (rice GOS2 Promoter); De Pater et al. 1992. Plant J. 2: 837-44], arabidopsis Pho1 [SEQ ID NO:15 (arabidopsis Pho1 Promoter); Hamburger et al., Plant Cell. 2002; 14: 889-902,], ExpansinB promoters, e.g., rice ExpB5 [SEQ ID to NO:16 (rice ExpB5 longer promoter) and SEQ ID NO:17 (rice ExpB5 promoter)] and Barley ExpB1 [SEQ ID NO:18 (barley ExpB1 Promoter); Won et al. Mol Cells. 2010. 30:369-76], barley SS2 (sucrose synthase 2; SEQ ID NO:19; Guerin and Carbonero, 1997. Plant Physiology 114(1):55-62), and rice PGSa (SEQ ID NO:20; U.S. Pat. No. 7,700,835; Nakase et al., 1996. Plant Mol Biol. 32:621-30).

Suitable constitutive promoters include, for example, CaMV 35S promoter [SEQ ID NO:21 (CaMV 35S (pQXNc) Promoter); SEQ ID NO:22 (PJJ 35S from Brachypodium); SEQ ID NO:23 (CaMV 35S (OLD) Promoter; Odell et al., Nature 313:810-812, 1985)], Arabidopsis At6669 promoter [SEQ ID NO:24 (Arabidopsis At6669 (OLD) Promoter; see PCT Publication No. WO04081173 or the new At6669 promoter (SEQ ID NO:25 (Arabidopsis At6669 (NEW) Promoter)]; maize Ub1 Promoter [cultivar Nongda 105 (SEQ ID NO:10); and cultivar B73 (SEQ ID NO:11)]; rice actin 1 (SEQ ID NO:12); pEMU (Last et al., 1991. Theor. Appl. Genet. 81:581-588); CaMV 19S (Nilsson et al., 1997. Physiol. Plant 100:456-462); rice GOS2 [SEQ ID NO:13 (rice GOS2 longer Promoter) and SEQ ID NO: 14 (rice GOS2 Promoter); RBCS promoter (SEQ ID NO:26); Rice cyclophilin (Bucholz et al., 1994 Plant Mol Biol. 25(5):837-43); Maize H3 histone (Lepetit et al., 1992 Mol. Gen. Genet. 231: 276-285); Actin 2 (An et al., 1996. Plant J. 10(1); 107-121) and Synthetic Super MAS (Ni et al., 1995. The Plant Journal 7: 661-676). Other constitutive promoters include those in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,659,026; 5,608,149; 5,608,144; 5,604,121; 5,569,597: 5,466,785; 5,399,680; 5,268,463; and 5,608,142.

Suitable tissue-specific promoters include, but are not limited to, leaf-specific promoters [e.g., AT5G06690 (Thioredoxin), high expression, SEQ ID NO:27); AT5G61520 (AtSTP3, low expression, SEQ ID NO:28, described in Buttner et al., 2000. Plant, Cell and Environment 23:175-184); or the promoters described in Yamamoto et al., 1997. Plant J. 12:255-265; Kwon et al., 1994. Plant Physiol. 105:357-67; Yamamoto et al., 1994. Plant Cell Physiol. 35:773-778; Gotor et al., 1993. Plant J. 3:509-18; Orozco et al., Plant Mol. Biol. 1993. 23:1129-1138; and Matsuoka et al., 1993. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:9586-9590; as well as Arabidopsis STP3 (AT5G61520) promoter (Buttner et al., 2000. Plant, Cell and Environment 23:175-184]; seed-preferred promoters [e.g., Napin (originated from Brassica napus which is characterized by a seed specific promoter activity; Stuitje A. R. et. al. 2003. Plant Biotechnology Journal 1(4):301-309; SEQ ID to NO:29 (Brassica napus NAPIN Promoter) from seed specific genes (Simon, et al., 1985. Plant Mol. Biol. 5:191; Scofield, et al., 1987. J. Biol. Chem. 262:12202; Baszczynski, et al., 1990. Plant Mol. Biol. 14:633), rice PGSa (SEQ ID NO:20; U.S. Pat. No. 7,700,835), early seed development Arabidopsis BAN (AT1G61720) (SEQ ID NO:30, US 2009/0031450), late seed development Arabidopsis ABI3 (AT3G24650) (SEQ ID NO:31 (Arabidopsis ABI3 (AT3G24650) longer Promoter) or SEQ ID NO:32 (Arabidopsis ABI3 (AT3G24650) Promoter)) (Ng et al., 2004. Plant Molecular Biology 54: 25-38), Brazil Nut albumin (Pearson′ et al., 1992. Plant Mol. Biol. 18: 235-245), legumin (Ellis, et al. 1988. Plant Mol. Biol. 10: 203-214), Glutelin (rice) (Takaiwa et al., 1986. Mol. Gen. Genet. 208:15-22; Takaiwa et al., 1987. FEBS Letts. 221: 43-47), Zein (Matzke et al., 1990. Plant Mol Biol, (143):323-332), napA (Stalberg et al., 1996. Planta 199:515-519); Wheat SPA (SEQ ID NO:1); sunflower oleosin (Cummins et al., 1992. Plant Mol. Biol. 19: 873-876); endosperm specific promoters [e.g., wheat LMW (SEQ ID NO:2; Wheat LMW Longer Promoter), and SEQ ID NO:3 (Wheat LMW Promoter)] and HMW glutenin-1 [(SEQ ID NO:4 (Wheat HMW glutenin-1 longer Promoter); and SEQ ID NO:5 (Wheat HMW glutenin-1 Promoter); Colot et al., Mol Gen Genet 216:81-90, 1989; Olin et al., NAR 17:461-2, 1989), wheat alpha, beta and gamma gliadins (SEQ ID NO:6 (wheat alpha gliadin (B genome) promoter); SEQ ID NO:7 (wheat gamma gliadin promoter); Barley ltr1 promoter, barley B1, C, D hordein (Cho et al., Theor Appl Gen 98:1253-62, 1999; Muller et al., Plant J 4:343-55, 1993; Sorenson et al., Mol Gen Genet 250:750-60, 1996), Barley DOF (Mena et al., 1998. The Plant Journal 116(1):53-62), Biz2 (EP99106056.7), Barley SS2 (SEQ ID NO:19), wheat Tarp60 (Kovalchuk et al., 2009. Plant Mol Biol 71:81-98), barley D-hordein (D-Hor) and B-hordein (B-Hor) (Agnelo F et al., 2009. Plant Biotech J 793):240-253)], Synthetic promoter (Vicente-Carbajosa et al., 1998. Plant J. 13: 629-640), rice prolamin NRP33, rice -globulin Glb-1 (Wu et al., 1998. Plant Cell Physiology 39(8) 885-889), rice alpha-globulin REB/OHP-1 (Nakase et al. 1997. Plant Mol. Biol. 33: 513-S22), rice ADP-glucose PP (Russell et al., Trans Res 6:157-68, 1997), maize ESR gene family (Opsahl-Ferstad et al., Plant J 12:235-46, 1997), sorgum gamma-kafirin (DeRose et al., PMB 32:1029-35, 1996)], embryo specific promoters [e.g., rice OSH1 (Sato et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 93: 8117-8122, 1996), KNOX (Postma-Haarsma et al., 1999. Plant Mol. Biol. 39:257-71), rice oleosin (Wu et al., 1998. J. Biochem., 123:386], and flower-specific promoters [e.g., AtPRP4, chalene synthase (chsA) (Van der Meer et al., 1990. Plant Mol. Biol. 15, 95-109), LAT52 (Twell et al., to 1989. Mol. Gen Genet 217:240-245), Arabidopsis apetala-3 (Tilly et al., 1998. Development 125:1647-57), Arabidopsis APETALA 1 (AT1G69120, AP1) (SEQ ID NO:33 (Arabidopsis (AT1G69120) APETALA 1)) (Hempel et al., 1997. Development 124:3845-3853)], and root promoters [e.g., the ROOTP promoter [SEQ ID NO:34]; rice ExpB5 [SEQ ID NO:17 (rice ExpB5 Promoter); or SEQ ID NO:16 (rice ExpB5 longer Promoter)] and barley ExpB1 promoters (SEQ ID NO:18) (Won et al. 2010. Mol. Cells 30: 369-376); Arabidopsis ATTPS-CIN (AT3G25820) promoter (SEQ ID NO:35; Chen et al., 2004. Plant Phys 135:1956-66); Arabidopsis Pho1 promoter (SEQ ID NO: 15), which is also slightly induced by stress].

The nucleic acid construct of some embodiments of the invention can further include an appropriate selectable marker and/or an origin of replication. According to some embodiments of the invention, the nucleic acid construct utilized is a shuttle vector, which can propagate both in E. coli (wherein the construct comprises an appropriate selectable marker and origin of replication) and be compatible with propagation in cells. The construct according to the present invention can be, for example, a plasmid, a bacmid, a phagemid, a cosmid, a phage, a virus or an artificial chromosome.

The nucleic acid construct of some embodiments of the invention can be utilized to stably or transiently transform plant cells. In stable transformation, the exogenous polynucleotide is integrated into the plant genome and as such it represents a stable and inherited trait. In transient transformation, the exogenous polynucleotide is expressed by the cell transformed but it is not integrated into the genome and as such it represents a transient trait.

There are various methods of introducing foreign genes into both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants (Potrykus, I., Annu. Rev. Plant. Physiol. & Plant. Mol. Biol. 1991. 42:205-225; Shimamoto et al., 1989. Nature 338:274-276).

The principle methods of causing stable integration of exogenous DNA into plant genomic DNA include two main approaches:

(i) Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer: Klee et al., (1987) Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. 38:467-486; Klee and Rogers in Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics of Plants, Vol. 6, Molecular Biology of Plant Nuclear Genes, eds. Schell, J., and Vasil, L. K., Academic Publishers, San Diego, Calif. (1989) p. 2-25; Gatenby, in Plant Biotechnology, eds. Kung, S. and Arntzen, C. J., Butterworth Publishers, Boston, Mass. (1989) p. 93-112.

(ii) Direct DNA uptake: Paszkowski et al., in Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics of Plants, Vol. 6, Molecular Biology of Plant Nuclear Genes eds. Schell, J., and Vasil, L. K., Academic Publishers, San Diego, Calif. (1989) p. 52-68; including methods for direct uptake of DNA into protoplasts, Toriyama, K. et al. (1988) Bio/Technology 6:1072-1074. DNA uptake induced by brief electric shock of plant cells: Zhang et al. Plant Cell Rep. (1988) 7:379-384. Fromm et al. Nature (1986) 319:791-793. DNA injection into plant cells or tissues by particle bombardment, Klein et al. Bio/Technology (1988) 6:559-563; McCabe et al. Bio/Technology (1988) 6:923-926; Sanford, Physiol. Plant. (1990) 79:206-209; by the use of micropipette systems: Neuhaus et al., Theor. Appl. Genet. (1987) 75:30-36; Neuhaus and Spangenberg, Physiol. Plant. (1990) 79:213-217; glass fibers or silicon carbide whisker transformation of cell cultures, embryos or callus tissue, U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,765 or by the direct incubation of DNA with germinating pollen, DeWet et al. in Experimental Manipulation of Ovule Tissue, eds. Chapman, G. P. and Mantell, S. H. and Daniels, W. Longman, London, (1985) p. 197-209; and Ohta, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1986) 83:715-719.

The Agrobacterium system includes the use of plasmid vectors that contain defined DNA segments that integrate into the plant genomic DNA. Methods of inoculation of the plant tissue vary depending upon the plant species and the Agrobacterium delivery system. A widely used approach is the leaf disc procedure which can be performed with any tissue explant that provides a good source for initiation of whole plant differentiation. See, e.g., Horsch et al. in Plant Molecular Biology Manual A5, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht (1988) p. 1-9. A supplementary approach employs the Agrobacterium delivery system in combination with vacuum infiltration. The Agrobacterium system is especially viable in the creation of transgenic dicotyledonous plants.

There are various methods of direct DNA transfer into plant cells. In electroporation, the protoplasts are briefly exposed to a strong electric field. In microinjection, the DNA is mechanically injected directly into the cells using very small micropipettes. In microparticle bombardment, the DNA is adsorbed on microprojectiles such as magnesium sulfate crystals or tungsten particles, and the microprojectiles are to physically accelerated into cells or plant tissues.

Following stable transformation plant propagation is exercised. The most common method of plant propagation is by seed. Regeneration by seed propagation, however, has the deficiency that due to heterozygosity there is a lack of uniformity in the crop, since seeds are produced by plants according to the genetic variances governed by Mendelian rules. Basically, each seed is genetically different and each will grow with its own specific traits. Therefore, it is preferred that the transformed plant be produced such that the regenerated plant has the identical traits and characteristics of the parent transgenic plant. Therefore, it is preferred that the transformed plant be regenerated by micropropagation which provides a rapid, consistent reproduction of the transformed plants.

Micropropagation is a process of growing new generation plants from a single piece of tissue that has been excised from a selected parent plant or cultivar. This process permits the mass reproduction of plants having the preferred tissue expressing the fusion protein. The new generation plants which are produced are genetically identical to, and have all of the characteristics of, the original plant. Micropropagation allows mass production of quality plant material in a short period of time and offers a rapid multiplication of selected cultivars in the preservation of the characteristics of the original transgenic or transformed plant. The advantages of cloning plants are the speed of plant multiplication and the quality and uniformity of plants produced.

Micropropagation is a multi-stage procedure that requires alteration of culture medium or growth conditions between stages. Thus, the micropropagation process involves four basic stages: Stage one, initial tissue culturing; stage two, tissue culture multiplication; stage three, differentiation and plant formation; and stage four, greenhouse culturing and hardening. During stage one, initial tissue culturing, the tissue culture is established and certified contaminant-free. During stage two, the initial tissue culture is multiplied until a sufficient number of tissue samples are produced from the seedlings to meet production goals. During stage three, the tissue samples grown in stage two are divided and grown into individual plantlets. At stage four, the transformed plantlets are transferred to a greenhouse for hardening where the plants' tolerance to light is gradually increased so that it can be grown in the natural environment.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the transgenic plant is generated by transient transformation of leaf cells, meristematic cells or the whole plant.

Transient transformation can be effected by any of the direct DNA transfer methods described above or by viral infection using modified plant viruses.

Viruses that have been shown to be useful for the transformation of plant hosts include, for example, Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), brome mosaic virus (BMV) and Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BV or BCMV). Methods for transformation of plants using plant viruses are well known in the art; see, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,237; Gluzman, Y. et al., Communications in Molecular Biology: Viral Vectors, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, pp. 172-189 (1988); and Mortimer C et al., 2015. Current Opinion in Biotechnology 32:85-92). Pseudovirus particles for use in expressing foreign DNA in many hosts, including plants are described in WO 87/06261.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the virus used for transient transformations is avirulent and thus is incapable of causing severe symptoms such as reduced growth rate, mosaic, ring spots, leaf roll, yellowing, streaking, pox formation, tumor formation and pitting. A suitable avirulent virus may be a naturally occurring avirulent virus or an artificially attenuated virus. Virus attenuation may be effected by using methods well known in the art including, but not limited to, sub-lethal heating, chemical treatment or by directed mutagenesis techniques such as described, for example, by Kurihara and Watanabe (Molecular Plant Pathology 4:259-269, 2003), Gal-On et al., J Gener Viriol 73: 2183-87 (1992), Atreya et al. Viriology 191:106-11 (1992) and Huet et al. Viriology 75: 1407-14 (1994).

Suitable virus strains can be obtained from available sources such as, for example, the American Type culture Collection (ATCC) or by isolation from infected plants. Isolation of viruses from infected plant tissues can be effected by techniques well known in the art such as described, for example by Foster and Taylor, Eds. “Plant Virology Protocols: From Virus Isolation to Transgenic Resistance (Methods in Molecular Biology Vol 81 Humana Press, 1998). Briefly, tissues of an infected plant believed to contain a high concentration of a suitable virus, preferably young leaves and flower petals, are ground in a buffer solution (e.g., phosphate buffer solution) to produce a virus infected sap which can be used in subsequent inoculations.

Construction of plant RNA viruses for the introduction and expression of non-viral exogenous polynucleotide sequences in plants is demonstrated by the above references as well as by Dawson, W. O. et al., 1989. Virology 172:285-292; Takamatsu et al. 1987. EMBO J 6:307-311; French et al. 1986. Science 231:1294-1297; Takamatsu et al. 1990. FEBS Letters 269:73-76; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,931.

When the virus is a DNA virus, suitable modifications can be made to the virus itself. Alternatively, the virus can first be cloned into a bacterial plasmid for ease of constructing the desired viral vector with the foreign DNA. The virus can then be excised from the plasmid. If the virus is a DNA virus, a bacterial origin of replication can be attached to the viral DNA, which is then replicated by the bacteria. Transcription and translation of this DNA will produce the coat protein which will encapsidate the viral DNA. If the virus is an RNA virus, the virus is generally cloned as a cDNA and inserted into a plasmid. The plasmid is then used to make all of the constructions. The RNA virus is then produced by transcribing the viral sequence of the plasmid and translation of the viral genes to produce the coat protein(s) which encapsidate the viral RNA.

In one embodiment, a plant viral polynucleotide is provided in which the native coat protein coding sequence has been deleted from a viral polynucleotide, a non-native plant viral coat protein coding sequence and a non-native promoter, preferably the subgenomic promoter of the non-native coat protein coding sequence, capable of expression in the plant host, packaging of the recombinant plant viral polynucleotide, and ensuring a systemic infection of the host by the recombinant plant viral polynucleotide, has been inserted. Alternatively, the coat protein gene may be inactivated by insertion of the non-native polynucleotide sequence within it, such that a protein is produced. The recombinant plant viral polynucleotide may contain one or more additional non-native subgenomic promoters. Each non-native subgenomic promoter is capable of transcribing or expressing adjacent genes or polynucleotide sequences in the plant host and incapable of recombination with each other and with native subgenomic promoters. Non-native (foreign) polynucleotide sequences may be inserted adjacent the native plant viral subgenomic promoter or the native and a non-native plant viral subgenomic promoters if more than one polynucleotide sequence is included. The non-native polynucleotide sequences are transcribed or expressed in the host plant under control of the subgenomic promoter to produce the desired products.

In a second embodiment, a recombinant plant viral polynucleotide is provided as in the first embodiment except that the native coat protein coding sequence is placed adjacent one of the non-native coat protein subgenomic promoters instead of a non-native coat protein coding sequence.

In a third embodiment, a recombinant plant viral polynucleotide is provided in which the native coat protein gene is adjacent its subgenomic promoter and one or more non-native subgenomic promoters have been inserted into the viral polynucleotide. The inserted non-native subgenomic promoters are capable of transcribing or expressing adjacent genes in a plant host and are incapable of recombination with each other and with native subgenomic promoters. Non-native polynucleotide sequences may be inserted adjacent the non-native subgenomic plant viral promoters such that the sequences are transcribed or expressed in the host plant under control of the subgenomic promoters to produce the desired product.

In a fourth embodiment, a recombinant plant viral polynucleotide is provided as in the third embodiment except that the native coat protein coding sequence is replaced by a non-native coat protein coding sequence.

The viral vectors are encapsidated by the coat proteins encoded by the recombinant plant viral polynucleotide to produce a recombinant plant virus. The recombinant plant viral polynucleotide or recombinant plant virus is used to infect appropriate host plants. The recombinant plant viral polynucleotide is capable of replication in the host, systemic spread in the host, and transcription or expression of foreign gene(s) (exogenous polynucleotide) in the host to produce the desired protein.

Techniques for inoculation of viruses to plants may be found, for example, in Foster and Taylor, Eds. “Plant Virology Protocols: From Virus Isolation to Transgenic Resistance (Methods in Molecular Biology (Humana Pr), Vol 81)”, Humana Press, 1998; Maramorosh and Koprowski, Eds. “Methods in Virology” 7 vols, Academic Press, New York 1967-1984; Hill, S. A. “Methods in Plant Virology”, Blackwell, Oxford, 1984; Walkey, D. G. A. “Applied Plant Virology”, Wiley, New York, 1985; and Kado and Agrawa, eds. “Principles and Techniques in Plant Virology”, Van Nostrand-Reinhold, New York.

In addition to the above, the polynucleotide of the present invention can also be introduced into a chloroplast genome thereby enabling chloroplast expression.

A technique for introducing exogenous polynucleotide sequences to the genome of the chloroplasts is known. This technique involves the following procedures. First, plant cells are chemically treated so as to reduce the number of chloroplasts per cell to about one. Then, the exogenous polynucleotide is introduced via particle bombardment into the cells with the aim of introducing at least one exogenous polynucleotide molecule into the chloroplasts. The exogenous polynucleotides selected such that it is integratable into the chloroplast's genome via homologous recombination which is readily effected by enzymes inherent to the chloroplast. To this end, the exogenous polynucleotide includes, in addition to a gene of interest, at least one polynucleotide stretch which is derived from the chloroplast's genome. In addition, the exogenous polynucleotide includes a selectable marker, which serves by sequential selection procedures to ascertain that all or substantially all of the copies of the chloroplast genomes following such selection will include the exogenous polynucleotide. Further details relating to this technique are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,945,050; and 5,693,507 which are incorporated herein by reference. A polypeptide can thus be produced by the protein expression system of the chloroplast and become integrated into the chloroplast's inner membrane.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the transformed plant is homozygote to the transgene (i.e., the exogenous polynucleotide of some embodiments of the invention), and accordingly all seeds generated thereby include the transgene.

Expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides in a single host plant can be effected by co-introducing multiple nucleic acid constructs, each including a different exogenous polynucleotide, into a single plant cell. The transformed cell can then be regenerated into a mature plant using the methods described hereinabove.

Alternatively, expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides in a single host plant can be effected by co-introducing into a single plant-cell a single nucleic-acid construct including a plurality of different exogenous polynucleotides. Such a construct can be designed with a single promoter sequence which can transcribe a polycistronic messenger RNA including all the different exogenous polynucleotide sequences. To enable co-translation of the different polypeptides encoded by the polycistronic messenger RNA, the polynucleotide sequences can be inter-linked via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence which facilitates translation of polynucleotide sequences positioned downstream of the IRES sequence. In this case, a transcribed polycistronic RNA molecule encoding the different polypeptides described above will be translated from both the capped 5′ end and the two internal IRES sequences of the polycistronic RNA molecule to thereby produce in the cell all different polypeptides. Alternatively, the construct can include several promoter sequences each linked to a different exogenous polynucleotide sequence.

The plant cell transformed with the construct including a plurality of different exogenous polynucleotides can be regenerated into a mature plant, using the methods described hereinabove.

Alternatively, expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides in a single host plant can be effected by introducing different nucleic acid constructs, including different exogenous polynucleotides, into a plurality of plants. The regenerated transformed plants can then be cross-bred and resultant progeny selected for superior abiotic stress tolerance, water use efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency, early flowering, grain filling period, harvest index, plant height, growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor traits, using conventional plant breeding techniques.

According to certain embodiments, enhancing the resistance of the plant or part thereof to the pathogenic fungus comprises reducing the expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide compared to its expression and/or activity in the control plant.

According to certain aspects, the present provides a method for enhancing the resistance of a plant or a part thereof to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprising reducing the expression of at least one polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 590, 603 and 619.

According to certain aspects, the present provides a method for enhancing the resistance of a plant or a part thereof to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprising reducing the expression of at least one polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:138, 152, and 167.

Any method as is known in the art for reducing the expression and/or activity of a plant endogenous protein and the polynucleotide encoding same can be used according to the teachings of the resent invention.

According to certain embodiment of the invention, reducing the expression and/or activity of a polypeptide of the invention within a plant cell comprising transforming the plant cell with a polynucleotide that inhibits the expression of said polypeptide. The polynucleotide may inhibit the transcription or translation of a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide or can encode for an inhibitory polypeptide interfering with the translation or activity of said polypeptide.

Polynucleotide-Based Methods

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a plant is transformed with a polynucleotide that inhibits the expression of a polypeptide of the invention. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the plant cell is transformed within a construct capable of expressing the inhibitory polynucleotide. The term “expression” as used herein refers to the biosynthesis of a gene product, including the transcription and/or translation of said gene product. For example, for the purposes of the present invention, a construct capable of expressing the inhibitory polynucleotide is capable of producing an RNA molecule that inhibits the transcription and/or translation of a polypeptide of the invention. The “expression” or “production” of a protein or polypeptide from a DNA molecule refers to the transcription and translation of the coding sequence to produce the protein or polypeptide, while the “expression” or “production” of a protein or polypeptide from an RNA molecule refers to the translation of the RNA coding sequence to produce the protein or polypeptide. Examples of polynucleotides that inhibit the expression of a CCT polypeptide are given below.

Sense Suppression/Co-suppression

According to certain embodiments, inhibition of the expression of a polypeptide of the invention may be obtained by sense suppression or co-suppression. For co-suppression, a construct is designed to express an RNA molecule corresponding to all or part of a messenger RNA encoding the polypeptide in the “sense” orientation. Over-expression of the RNA molecule can result in reduced expression of the native gene. Accordingly, multiple plant lines transformed with the co-suppression constructs are screened to identify those that show the greatest inhibition of the polypeptide expression.

The polynucleotide used for co-suppression may correspond to all or part of the sequence encoding the polypeptide of the invention, all or part of the 5′ and/or 3′ untranslated region of said polypeptide transcript or all or part of both the coding sequence and the untranslated regions of a transcript encoding said polypeptide. In some embodiments where the polynucleotide comprises all or part of the coding region for said polypeptide, the construct is designed to eliminate the start codon of the polynucleotide so that no protein product will be translated.

Co-suppression may be used to inhibit the expression of plant genes to produce plants having undetectable protein levels for the proteins encoded by these genes. See, for example, Broin, et al., (2002) Plant Cell 14:1417-1432. Co-suppression may also be used to inhibit the expression of multiple proteins in the same plant. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,657. Methods for using co-suppression to inhibit the expression of endogenous genes in plants are described, for example, in Yu, et al., Phytochemistry (2003) 63:753-763 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,323, 5,283,184 and 5,942,657. The efficiency of co-suppression may be increased by including a poly-dT region in the expression cassette at a position 3′ to the sense sequence and 5′ of the polyadenylation signal. See for example, US Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0048814. Typically, such a nucleotide sequence has substantial sequence identity to the sequence of the transcript of the endogenous gene, optimally greater than about 65% sequence identity, more optimally greater than about 85% sequence identity, most optimally greater than about 95% sequence identity (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,283,184 and 5,034,323).

Antisense Suppression

According to some embodiments, inhibition of the expression of a polypeptide of the invention may be obtained by antisense suppression. For antisense suppression, the construct is designed to express an RNA molecule complementary to all or part of a messenger RNA encoding the polypeptide. Over-expression of the antisense RNA molecule can result in reduced expression of the native gene. Accordingly, multiple plant lines transformed with the antisense RNA are screened to identify those that show the greatest inhibition of said polypeptide expression.

The polynucleotide for use in antisense suppression may correspond to all or part of the complement of the sequence encoding the polypeptide of the invention, all or part of the complement of the 5′ and/or 3′ untranslated region of its transcript or all or part of the complement of both the coding sequence and the untranslated regions of a transcript encoding said polypeptide. In addition, the antisense polynucleotide may be fully complementary (i.e., 100% identical to the complement of the target sequence) or partially complementary (i.e., less than 100% identical to the complement of the target sequence) to the target sequence. Antisense suppression may be used to inhibit the expression of multiple proteins in the same plant. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,657. Furthermore, portions of the antisense nucleotides may be used to disrupt the expression of the target gene. Generally, sequences of at least 50 nucleotides, 100 nucleotides, 200 nucleotides, 300, 400, 450, 500, 550 or greater may be used. Methods for using antisense suppression to inhibit the expression of endogenous genes in plants are described, for example, in Liu, et al., (2002) Plant Physiol. 129:1732-1743 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,759,829 and 5,942,657. Efficiency of antisense suppression may be increased by including a poly-dT region in the expression cassette at a position 3′ to the antisense sequence and 5′ of the polyadenylation signal (see, e.g. US Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0048814).

Double-Stranded RNA Interference

According to some embodiments, inhibition of the expression of a polypeptide of the invention may be obtained by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) interference. For dsRNA interference, a sense RNA molecule like that described above for co-suppression and an antisense RNA molecule that is fully or partially complementary to the sense RNA molecule are expressed in the same cell, resulting in inhibition of the expression of the corresponding endogenous messenger RNA.

Expression of the sense and antisense molecules can be accomplished by designing the DNA construct to comprise both a sense sequence and an antisense sequence. Alternatively, separate constructs may be used for the sense and antisense sequences. Multiple plant lines transformed with the dsRNA interference construct(s) are then screened to identify plant lines that show the greatest inhibition of the expression of the polypeptide. Methods for using dsRNA interference to inhibit the expression of endogenous plant genes are described in Waterhouse, et al., (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:13959-13964, Liu, et al., (2002) Plant Physiol. 129:1732-1743 and WO 1999/49029, WO 1999/53050, WO 1999/61631 and WO 2000/49035.

Hairpin RNA Interference and Intron-Containing Hairpin RNA Interference

According to some embodiments, inhibition of the expression of a polypeptide of the invention may be obtained by hairpin RNA (hpRNA) interference or intron-containing hairpin RNA (ihpRNA) interference. These methods are highly efficient at inhibiting the expression of endogenous genes. See, Waterhouse and Helliwell, (2003) Nat. Rev. Genet. 4:29-38 and the references cited therein.

For hpRNA interference, the construct is designed to express an RNA molecule that hybridizes with itself to form a hairpin structure that comprises a single-stranded loop region and a base-paired stem. The base-paired stem region comprises a sense sequence corresponding to all or part of the endogenous messenger RNA encoding the gene whose expression is to be inhibited and an antisense sequence that is fully or partially complementary to the sense sequence. Thus, the base-paired stem region of the molecule generally determines the specificity of the RNA interference. hpRNA molecules are highly efficient at inhibiting the expression of endogenous genes, and the RNA interference they induce is inherited by subsequent generations of plants. See, for example, Chuang and Meyerowitz, (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:4985-4990; Stoutjesdijk, et al., (2002) Plant Physiol. 129:1723-1731 and Waterhouse and Helliwell, (2003) Nat. Rev. Genet. 4:29-38. Methods for using hpRNA interference to inhibit or silence the expression of genes are described, for example, in US Patent Application Publication Number 2003/0175965. A transient assay for the efficiency of hpRNA constructs to silence gene expression in vivo has been described by Panstruga, et al., (2003) Mol. Biol. Rep. 30:135-140.

For Intron-Containing Hairpin RNA (ihpRNA) interference, the interfering molecules have the same general structure as for hpRNA, but the RNA molecule additionally comprises an intron that is capable of being spliced in the cell in which the ihpRNA is expressed. The use of an intron minimizes the size of the loop in the hairpin RNA molecule following splicing, and this increases the efficiency of interference. See, for example, Smith, et al., (2000) Nature 407:319-320. In fact, Smith, et al., shows 100% suppression of endogenous gene expression using ihpRNA-mediated interference. Methods for using ihpRNA interference to inhibit the expression of endogenous plant genes are described, for example, in US Patent Application Publication Number 2003/0180945.

The expression cassette for hpRNA interference may also be designed such that the sense sequence and the antisense sequence do not correspond to an endogenous RNA. In this embodiment, the sense and antisense sequence flank a loop sequence that comprises a nucleotide sequence corresponding to all or part of the endogenous messenger RNA of the target gene. Thus, it is the loop region that determines the specificity of the RNA interference. See, for example, WO 2002/00904.

Amplicon-Mediated Interference

Amplicon expression cassettes comprise a plant virus-derived sequence that contains all or part of the target gene but generally not all of the genes of the native virus. The viral sequences present in the transcription product of the construct allow the transcription product to direct its own replication. The transcripts produced by the amplicon may be either sense or antisense relative to the target sequence (i.e., the messenger RNA for the polypeptide of the invention). Methods of using amplicons to inhibit the expression of endogenous plant genes are described, for example, in Angell and Baulcombe, (1997) EMBO J. 16:3675-3684, Angell and Baulcombe, (1999) Plant J. 20:357-362.

Ribozymes

According to some embodiments, the polynucleotide expressed by the construct of the invention is catalytic RNA or has ribozyme activity specific for the messenger RNA of a polypeptide of the invention. Thus, the polynucleotide causes the degradation of the endogenous messenger RNA, resulting in reduced expression of said polypeptide. This method is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,071.

Small Interfering RNA or Micro RNA

According to certain embodiments of the invention, inhibition of the expression of a polypeptide of the invention may be obtained by RNA interference by expression of a gene encoding a micro RNA (miRNA). miRNAs are regulatory agents consisting of about 22 ribonucleotides. miRNA are highly efficient at inhibiting the expression of endogenous genes. See, for example, Palatnikl J F et al., (2003) Nature 425:257-263.

For miRNA interference, the construct is designed to express an RNA molecule that is modeled on an endogenous miRNA gene. The miRNA gene encodes an RNA that forms a hairpin structure containing a 22-nucleotide sequence that is complementary to another endogenous gene (target sequence). For suppressing the expression of a polypeptide of the invention, the 22-nucleotide sequence is selected from the polypeptide transcript sequence and contains 22 nucleotides of said transcript sequence in sense orientation and 21 nucleotides of a corresponding antisense sequence that is complementary to the sense sequence. miRNA molecules are highly efficient at inhibiting the expression of endogenous genes and the RNA interference they induce is inherited by subsequent generations of plants.

Polypeptide-Based Inhibition of Gene Expression

According to certain additional or alternative embodiments, the inhibitory polynucleotide encodes a zinc finger protein that binds to a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention, resulting in reduced expression of the gene. In particular embodiments, the zinc finger protein binds to a regulatory region of a polypeptide encoding gene. In other embodiments, the zinc finger protein binds to a messenger RNA encoding said polypeptide and prevents its translation. Methods of selecting sites for targeting by zinc finger proteins have been described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,453,242 and methods for using zinc finger proteins to inhibit the expression of genes in plants are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,151,201.

Polypeptide-Based Inhibition of Protein Activity

According to certain additional or alternative embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes an antibody that binds to a polypeptide of the invention and reduces the activity of the polypeptide. In another embodiment, the binding of the antibody results in increased turnover of the antibody-polypeptide complex by cellular quality control mechanisms. The expression of antibodies in plant cells and the inhibition of molecular pathways by expression and binding of antibodies to proteins in plant cells are well known in the art. See, for example, Conrad and Sonnewald, (2003) Nature Biotech. 21:35-36.

According to some embodiments of the invention, up-regulation or down regulation of the expression and/or activity of the polypeptide of the invention is achieved by means of genome editing.

Genome editing is a reverse genetics method which uses artificially engineered nucleases to cut and create specific double-stranded breaks at a desired location(s) in the genome, which are then repaired by cellular endogenous processes such as, homology directed repair (HDR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). NHEJ directly joins the DNA ends in a double-stranded break, while HDR utilizes a homologous sequence as a template for regenerating the missing DNA sequence at the break point. In order to introduce specific nucleotide modifications to the genomic DNA, a DNA repair template containing the desired sequence must be present during HDR. Genome editing cannot be performed using traditional restriction endonucleases since most restriction enzymes recognize a few base pairs on the DNA as their target and the probability is very high that the recognized base pair combination will be found in many locations across the genome resulting in multiple cuts not limited to a desired location. To overcome this challenge and create site-specific single- or double-stranded breaks, several distinct classes of nucleases have been discovered and bioengineered to date. These include the meganucleases, Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription-activator like effector nucleases (TALENs) and CRISPR/Cas system.

Genome editing is a powerful tool to impact target traits by modifications of the target plant genome sequence. Such modifications can result in new or modified alleles or regulatory elements.

In addition, the traces of genome-edited techniques can be used for marker assisted selection (MAS) as is further described hereinunder. Target plants for the mutagenesis/genome editing methods according to the invention are any plants of interest including monocot or dicot plants.

Over-expression of a polypeptide by genome editing can be achieved by: (i) replacing an endogenous sequence encoding the polypeptide of interest or a regulatory sequence under which it is placed, and/or (ii) inserting a new gene encoding the polypeptide of interest in a targeted region of the genome, and/or (iii) introducing point mutations which result in up-regulation of the gene encoding the polypeptide of interest (e.g., by altering the regulatory sequences such as promoter, enhancers, 5′-UTR and/or 3′-UTR, or mutations in the coding sequence).

Down regulation of the expression of a polypeptide by gnome editing can be achieved by (i) replacing an endogenous sequence encoding a polypeptide negatively affecting a desired plant trait, according to some embodiments of the invention enhancing susceptibility of the plant to pathogenic fungi and/or Oomycete or replacing a regulatory sequence under which the endogenous sequence encoding the polypeptide is placed, and/or (ii) introducing point mutations which result in down-regulation of the gene encoding the polypeptide of interest (e.g., by altering the regulatory sequences such as promoter, enhancers, 5′-UTR and/or 3′-UTR, or mutations in the coding sequence).

Genome Editing Systems Overview

Several systems have been reported to enable genome editing implementation. Examples detailed herein below:

Meganucleases—Meganucleases are commonly grouped into four families: the LAGLIDADG family, the GIY-YIG family, the His-Cys box family and the HNH family. These families are characterized by structural motifs, which affect catalytic activity and recognition sequence. For instance, members of the LAGLIDADG family are characterized by having either one or two copies of the conserved LAGLIDADG motif. The four families of meganucleases are widely separated from one another with respect to conserved structural elements and, consequently, DNA recognition sequence specificity and catalytic activity. Meganucleases are found commonly in microbial species and have the unique property of having very long recognition sequences (>14 bp) thus making them naturally very specific for cutting at a desired location. This can be exploited to make site-specific double-stranded breaks directing modifications in regulatory elements or coding regions upon introduction of the desired sequence. One of skill in the art can use these naturally occurring meganucleases, however the number of such naturally occurring meganucleases is limited. To overcome this challenge, mutagenesis and high throughput screening methods have been used to create meganuclease variants that recognize unique sequences. For example, various meganucleases have been fused to create hybrid enzymes that recognize a new sequence. Alternatively, DNA interacting amino acids of the meganuclease can be altered to design sequence specific meganucleases (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,867). Meganucleases can be designed using the methods described in e.g., Certo, M T et al., 2012. Nature Methods 9:073-975; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,304,222; 8,021,867; 8,119,381; 8,124,369; 8,129,134; 8,133,697; 8,143,015; 8,143,016; 8,148,098; or 8,163,514. Alternatively, meganucleases with site specific cutting characteristics can be obtained using commercially available technologies e.g., Precision Biosciences' Directed Nuclease Editor™ genome editing technology.

ZFNs and TALENs—Two distinct classes of engineered nucleases, zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), have both proven to be effective at producing targeted double-stranded breaks (Christian et al., 2010. Genetics 186:757-761; Kim et al., 1996. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 93:1156-1160; Li et al., 2011. Nucleic Acids Res 39:359-372; Mahfouz et al., 2011. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci; 108:2623-2628; Miller et al., 2010. Nat Biotechnol. 29:143-148).

Basically, ZFNs and TALENs restriction endonuclease technology utilizes a non-specific DNA cutting enzyme which is linked to a specific DNA binding domain (either a series of zinc finger domains or TALE repeats, respectively). Typically a restriction enzyme whose DNA recognition site and cleaving site are separate from each other is selected. The cleaving portion is separated and then linked to a DNA binding domain, thereby yielding an endonuclease with very high specificity for a desired sequence. An exemplary restriction enzyme with such properties is Fokl. Additionally Fokl has the advantage of requiring dimerization to have nuclease activity and this means the specificity increases dramatically as each nuclease partner recognizes a unique DNA sequence. To enhance this effect, Fokl nucleases have been engineered that can only function as heterodimers and have increased catalytic activity. The heterodimer functioning nucleases avoid the possibility of unwanted homodimer activity and thus increase specificity of the double-stranded break.

Thus, for example to target a specific site, ZFNs and TALENs are constructed as nuclease pairs, with each member of the pair designed to bind adjacent sequences at the targeted site. Upon transient expression in cells, the nucleases bind to their target sites and the FokI domains heterodimerize to create a double-stranded break. Repair of these double-stranded breaks through the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway most often results in small deletions or small sequence insertions. Since each repair made by NHEJ is unique, the use of a single nuclease pair can produce an allelic series with a range of different deletions at the target site. The deletions typically range anywhere from a few base pairs to a few hundred base pairs in length, but larger deletions have successfully been generated in cell culture by using two pairs of nucleases simultaneously (Carlson et al., 2012. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci 109:17382-17387; Lee et al., 2010. Genome Res 20:81-89). In addition, when a fragment of DNA with homology to the targeted region is introduced in conjunction with the nuclease pair, the double-stranded break can be repaired via homology directed repair to generate specific modifications (Li et al., 2011, ibid; Miller et al., 2010, ibid; Urnov et al., 2005. Nature, 435:646-651).

Although the nuclease portions of both ZFNs and TALENs have similar properties, the difference between these engineered nucleases is in their DNA recognition peptide. ZFNs rely on Cys2-His2 zinc fingers and TALENs on TALEs. Both of these DNA recognizing peptide domains have the characteristic that they are naturally found in combinations in their proteins. Cys2-His2 Zinc fingers typically found in repeats that are 3 bp apart and are found in diverse combinations in a variety of nucleic acid interacting proteins. TALEs on the other hand are found in repeats with a one-to-one recognition ratio between the amino acids and the recognized nucleotide pairs. Because both zinc fingers and TALEs happen in repeated patterns, different combinations can be tried to create a wide variety of sequence specificities. Approaches for making site-specific zinc finger endonucleases include, e.g., modular assembly (where Zinc fingers correlated with a triplet sequence are attached in a row to cover the required sequence), OPEN (low-stringency selection of peptide domains vs. triplet nucleotides followed by high-stringency selections of peptide combination vs. the final target in bacterial systems), and bacterial one-hybrid screening of zinc finger libraries, among others. ZFNs can also be designed and obtained commercially from e.g., Sangamo Biosciences™ (Richmond, Calif.).

Method for designing and obtaining TALENs are described in e.g. Reyon et al., 2012. Nature Biotechnology 30(5):460-5; Miller et al., 2011. Nat Biotechnol. 29:143-148; Cermak et al., 2011. Nucleic Acids Research 39 (12):e82 and Zhang et al., 2011 Nature Biotechnology 29 (2):149-53. A recently developed web-based program named Mojo Hand was introduced by Mayo Clinic for designing TAL and TALEN constructs for genome editing applications (can be accessed through www(dot)talendesign(dot)org). TALEN can also be designed and obtained commercially from e.g., Sangamo Biosciences™ (Richmond, Calif.).

The ZFN/TALEN system capability for precise targeting can be utilized for directing modifications in regulatory elements and/or coding regions upon introduction of the sequence of interest for trait improvement.

CRISPR/Cas9—The CRISPR/Cas system for genome editing contains two distinct components: a gRNA (guide RNA) and an endonuclease e.g. Cas9.

The gRNA is typically a 20 nucleotide sequence encoding a combination of the target homologous sequence (crRNA) and the endogenous bacterial RNA that links the crRNA to the Cas9 nuclease (tracrRNA) in a single chimeric transcript. The gRNA/Cas9 complex is recruited to the target sequence by the base-pairing between the gRNA sequence and the complement genomic DNA. For successful binding of Cas9, the genomic target sequence must also contain the correct Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) sequence immediately following the target sequence. The binding of the gRNA/Cas9 complex localizes the Cas9 to the genomic target sequence so that the Cas9 can cut both strands of the DNA causing a double-strand break. Just as with ZFNs and TALENs, the double-stranded brakes produced by CRISPR/Cas can undergo homologous recombination or NHEJ.

The Cas9 nuclease has two functional domains: RuvC and HNH, each cutting a different DNA strand. When both of these domains are active, the Cas9 causes double strand breaks in the genomic DNA.

A significant advantage of CRISPR/Cas is that the high efficiency of this system coupled with the ability to easily create synthetic gRNAs enables multiple genes to be targeted simultaneously. In addition, the majority of cells carrying the mutation present biallelic mutations in the targeted genes.

However, apparent flexibility in the base-pairing interactions between the gRNA sequence and the genomic DNA target sequence allows imperfect matches to the target sequence to be cut by Cas9.

Modified versions of the Cas9 enzyme containing a single inactive catalytic domain, either RuvC- or HNH-, are called ‘nickases’. With only one active nuclease domain, the Cas9 nickase cuts only one strand of the target DNA, creating a single-strand break or ‘nick’. A single-strand break, or nick, is normally quickly repaired through the HDR pathway, using the intact complementary DNA strand as the template. However, two proximal, opposite strand nicks introduced by a Cas9 nickase are treated as a double-strand break, in what is often referred to as a ‘double nick’ CRISPR system. A double-nick can be repaired by either NHEJ or HDR depending on the desired effect on the gene target. Thus, if specificity and reduced off-target effects are crucial, using the Cas9 nickase to create a double-nick by designing two gRNAs with target sequences in close proximity and on opposite strands of the genomic DNA would decrease off-target effect as either gRNA alone will result in nicks that will not change the genomic DNA.

Modified versions of the Cas9 enzyme containing two inactive catalytic domains (dead Cas9, or dCas9) have no nuclease activity while still able to bind to DNA based on gRNA specificity. The dCas9 can be utilized as a platform for DNA transcriptional regulators to activate or repress gene expression by fusing the inactive enzyme to known regulatory domains. For example, the binding of dCas9 alone to a target sequence in genomic DNA can interfere with gene transcription.

There is a number of publically available tools available to help choose and/or design target sequences as well as lists of bioinformatically determined unique gRNAs for different genes in different species such as the Feng Zhang lab's Target Finder, the Michael Boutros lab's Target Finder (E-CRISP), the RGEN Tools: Cas-OFFinder, the CasFinder: Flexible algorithm for identifying specific Cas9 targets in genomes and the CRISPR Optimal Target Finder.

In order to use the CRISPR system, both gRNA and Cas9 should be expressed in a target cell. The insertion vector can contain both cassettes on a single plasmid or the cassettes are expressed from two separate plasmids. CRISPR plasmids are commercially available such as the px330 plasmid from Addgene.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) platform—this genome-editing platform is based on rAAV vectors which enable insertion, deletion or substitution of DNA sequences in the genomes of live mammalian cells. The rAAV genome is a single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) molecule, either positive- or negative-sensed, which is about 4.7 kb long. These single-stranded DNA viral vectors have high transduction rates and have a unique property of stimulating endogenous homologous recombination in the absence of double-strand DNA breaks in the genome. One of skill in the art can design a rAAV vector to target a desired genomic locus and perform both gross and/or subtle endogenous gene alterations in a cell. rAAV genome editing has the advantage in that it targets a single allele and does not result in any off-target genomic alterations. rAAV genome editing technology is commercially available, for example, the rAAV GENESIS™ system from Horizon™ (Cambridge, UK).

Methods for qualifying efficacy and detecting sequence alteration are well known in the art and include, but not limited to, DNA sequencing, electrophoresis, an enzyme-based mismatch detection assay and a hybridization assay such as PCR, RT-PCR, RNase protection, in-situ hybridization, primer extension, Southern blot, Northern Blot and dot blot analysis. Sequence alterations in a specific gene can also be determined at the protein level using e.g. chromatography, electrophoretic methods, immunodetection assays such as ELISA and Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry.

In addition, one ordinarily skilled in the art can readily design a knock-in/knock-out construct including positive and/or negative selection markers for efficiently selecting transformed cells that underwent a homologous recombination event with the construct. Positive selection provides a means to enrich the population of clones that have taken up foreign DNA. Non-limiting examples of such positive markers include glutamine synthetase, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), markers that confer antibiotic resistance, such as neomycin, hygromycin, puromycin, and blasticidin S resistance cassettes. Negative selection markers are necessary to select against random integrations and/or elimination of a marker sequence (e.g. positive marker). Non-limiting examples of such negative markers include the herpes simplex-thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) which converts ganciclovir (GCV) into a cytotoxic nucleoside analog, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) and adenine phosphoribosytransferase (ARPT).

Recombination Procedures—Common to Different Genome Editing Systems

Hit and run” or “in-out”—involves a two-step recombination procedure. In the first step, an insertion-type vector containing a dual positive/negative selectable marker cassette is used to introduce the desired sequence alteration. The insertion vector contains a single continuous region of homology to the targeted locus and is modified to carry the mutation of interest. This targeting construct is linearized with a restriction enzyme at a one site within the region of homology, electroporated into the cells, and positive selection is performed to isolate homologous recombinants. These homologous recombinants contain a local duplication that is separated by intervening vector sequence, including the selection cassette. In the second step, targeted clones are subjected to negative selection to identify cells that have lost the selection cassette via intrachromosomal recombination between the duplicated sequences. The local recombination event removes the duplication and, depending on the site of recombination, the allele either retains the introduced mutation or reverts to wild type. The end result is the introduction of the desired modification without the retention of any exogenous sequences.

The “double-replacement” or “tag and exchange” strategy—involves a two-step selection procedure similar to the hit and run approach, but requires the use of two different targeting constructs. In the first step, a standard targeting vector with 3′ and 5′ homology arms is used to insert a dual positive/negative selectable cassette near the location where the mutation is to be introduced. After electroporation and positive selection, homologously targeted clones are identified. Next, a second targeting vector that contains a region of homology with the desired mutation is electroporated into targeted clones, and negative selection is applied to remove the selection cassette and introduce the mutation. The final allele contains the desired mutation while eliminating unwanted exogenous sequences.

Site-Specific Recombinases—The Cre recombinase derived from the P1 bacteriophage and Flp recombinase derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are site-specific DNA recombinases each recognizing a unique 34 base pair DNA sequence (termed “Lox” and “FRT”, respectively) and sequences that are flanked with either Lox sites or FRT sites can be readily removed via site-specific recombination upon expression of Cre or Flp recombinase, respectively. For example, the Lox sequence is composed of an asymmetric eight base pair spacer region flanked by 13 base pair inverted repeats. Cre recombines the 34 base pair lox DNA sequence by binding to the 13 base pair inverted repeats and catalyzing strand cleavage and religation within the spacer region. The staggered DNA cuts made by Cre in the spacer region are separated by 6 base pairs to give an overlap region that acts as a homology sensor to ensure that only recombination sites having the same overlap region recombine. Basically, the site specific recombinase system offers means for the removal of selection cassettes after homologous recombination. This system also allows for the generation of conditional altered alleles that can be inactivated or activated in a temporal or tissue-specific manner. Of note, the Cre and Flp recombinases leave behind a Lox or FRT “scar” of 34 base pairs. The Lox or FRT sites that remain are typically left behind in an intron or 3′ UTR of the modified locus, and current evidence suggests that these sites usually do not interfere significantly with gene function. Thus, Cre/Lox and Flp/FRT recombination involves introduction of a targeting vector with 3′ and 5′ homology arms containing the mutation of interest, two Lox or FRT sequences and typically a selectable cassette placed between the two Lox or FRT sequences. Positive selection is applied and homologous recombinants that contain targeted mutation are identified. Transient expression of Cre or Flp in conjunction with negative selection results in the excision of the selection cassette and selects for cells where the cassette has been lost. The final targeted allele contains the Lox or FRT scar of exogenous sequences.

Transposases—As used herein, the term “transposase” refers to an enzyme that binds to the ends of a transposon and catalyzes the movement of the transposon to another part of the genome.

As used herein the term “transposon” refers to a mobile genetic element comprising a nucleotide sequence which can move around to different positions within the genome of a single cell. In the process the transposon can cause mutations and/or change the amount of a DNA in the genome of the cell. A number of transposon systems that are able to also transpose in cells e.g. vertebrates have been isolated or designed, such as Sleeping Beauty [Izsvák and Ivics Molecular Therapy (2004) 9: 147-156], piggyBac [Wilson et al. Molecular Therapy (2007) 15: 139-145], Tol2 [Kawakami et al. PNAS (2000) 97 (21): 11403-11408] or Frog Prince [Miskey et al. Nucleic Acids Res. Dec. 1, (2003) 31(23): 6873-6881]. Generally, DNA transposons translocate from one DNA site to another in a simple, cut-and-paste manner. Each of these elements has their own advantages, for example, Sleeping Beauty is particularly useful in region-specific mutagenesis, whereas Tol2 has the highest tendency to integrate into expressed genes. Hyperactive systems are available for Sleeping Beauty and piggyBac. Most importantly, these transposons have distinct target site preferences, and can therefore introduce sequence alterations in overlapping, but distinct sets of genes. Therefore, to achieve the best possible coverage of genes, the use of more than one element is particularly preferred. The basic mechanism is shared between the different transposases, therefore the piggyBac (PB) is described as an example. PB is a 2.5 kb insect transposon originally isolated from the cabbage looper moth, Trichoplusia ni. The PB transposon consists of asymmetric terminal repeat sequences that flank a transposase, PBase. PBase recognizes the terminal repeats and induces transposition via a “cut-and-paste” based mechanism, and preferentially transposes into the host genome at the tetranucleotide sequence TTAA. Upon insertion, the TTAA target site is duplicated such that the PB transposon is flanked by this tetranucleotide sequence. When mobilized, PB typically excises itself precisely to reestablish a single TTAA site, thereby restoring the host sequence to its pretransposon state. After excision, PB can transpose into a new location or be permanently lost from the genome. Typically, the transposase system offers an alternative means for the removal of selection cassettes after homologous recombination quit similar to the use Cre/Lox or Flp/FRT. Thus, for example, the PB transposase system involves introduction of a targeting vector with 3′ and 5′ homology arms containing the mutation of interest, two PB terminal repeat sequences at the site of an endogenous TTAA sequence and a selection cassette placed between PB terminal repeat sequences. Positive selection is applied and homologous recombinants that contain targeted mutation are identified. Transient expression of PBase removes in conjunction with negative selection results in the excision of the selection cassette and selects for cells where the cassette has been lost. The final targeted allele contains the introduced mutation with no exogenous sequences.

For PB to be useful for the introduction of sequence alterations, there must be a native TTAA site in relatively close proximity to the location where a particular mutation is to be inserted.

Homology Directed Repair (HDR) Homology Directed Repair (HDR) can be used to generate specific nucleotide changes (also known as gene “edits”) ranging from a single nucleotide change to large insertions. In order to utilize HDR for gene editing, a DNA “repair template” containing the desired sequence must be delivered into the cell type of interest with e.g. the guide RNA [gRNA(s)] and Cas9 or Cas9 nickase or other genome editing method (examples herein below). The repair template must contain the desired edit as well as additional homologous sequence immediately upstream and downstream of the target (termed left and right homology arms). The length and binding position of each homology arm is dependent on the size of the change being introduced. The repair template can be a single stranded oligonucleotide, double-stranded oligonucleotide, or double-stranded DNA plasmid depending on the specific application.

The HDR method was successfully used for targeting a specific modification in a coding sequence of a gene in plants [Budhagatapalli Nagaveni et al. (2015) “Targeted Modification of Gene Function Exploiting Homology-Directed Repair of TALEN-Mediated Double-Strand Breaks in Barley”. G3 (Bethesda). 5(9): 1857-1863). Thus, the gfp-specific transcription activator-like effector nucleases were used along with a repair template that, via HDR, facilitates conversion of gfp into yfp, which is associated with a single amino acid exchange in the gene product. The resulting yellow-fluorescent protein accumulation along with sequencing confirmed the success of the genomic editing.

Similarly, Zhao Yongping et al. 2016 (An alternative strategy for targeted gene replacement in plants using a dual-sgRNA/Cas9 design. Scientific Reports 6, Article number: 23890 (2016)) describe co-transformation of Arabidopsis plants with a combinatory dual-sgRNA/Cas9 vector that successfully deleted miRNA gene regions (MIR169a and MIR827a) and second construct that contains sites homologous to Arabidopsis TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) for homology-directed repair (HDR) with regions corresponding to the two sgRNAs on the modified construct to provide both targeted deletion and donor repair for targeted gene replacement by HDR.

Specific considerations for Homology Directed Repair (HDR) utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 system are described herein: It should be noted that the repair template should not include a sequence that exhibits more than 90% identity to the gRNA designed to the genomic DNA or to the reverse complement sequence of the gRNA which is designed to the genomic sequence, otherwise the repair template becomes a suitable target for Cas9 cleavage. Additionally or alternatively, when using a short repair template (e.g., about 40-200 base pairs) the repair template should preferably lack the Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) sequence. For example, the PAM could be mutated such that it is no longer present, but the coding region of the gene is not affected (i.e. a silent mutation).

Introduction of large double stranded DNA as repair template can be performed using plasmids, yet, the plasmid should be linearized before transfection.

Activation of Target Genes Using CRISPR/Cas9 System

Many bacteria and archea contain endogenous RNA-based adaptive immune systems that can degrade nucleic acids of invading phages and plasmids. These systems consist of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) genes that produce RNA components and CRISPR associated (Cas) genes that encode protein components. The CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) contain short stretches of homology to specific viruses and plasmids and act as guides to direct Cas nucleases to degrade the complementary nucleic acids of the corresponding pathogen. Studies of the type II CRISPR/Cas system of Streptococcus pyogenes have shown that three components form an RNA/protein complex and together are sufficient for sequence-specific nuclease activity: the Cas9 nuclease, a crRNA containing 20 base pairs of homology to the target sequence, and a trans-activating crRNA (tracrRNA) (Jinek et al. Science (2012) 337: 816-821). It was further demonstrated that a synthetic chimeric guide RNA (gRNA) composed of a fusion between crRNA and tracrRNA could direct Cas9 to cleave DNA targets that are complementary to the crRNA in vitro. It was also demonstrated that transient expression of CRISPR-associated endonuclease (Cas9) in conjunction with synthetic gRNAs can be used to produce targeted double-stranded brakes in a variety of different species.

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a remarkably flexible tool for genome manipulation. A unique feature of Cas9 is its ability to bind target DNA independently of its ability to cleave target DNA. Specifically, both RuvC- and HNH-nuclease domains can be rendered inactive by point mutations (D10A and H840A in SpCas9), resulting in a nuclease dead Cas9 (dCas9) molecule that cannot cleave target DNA. The dCas9 molecule retains the ability to bind to target DNA based on the gRNA targeting sequence. The dCas9 can be tagged with transcriptional activators, and targeting these dCas9 fusion proteins to the promoter region results in robust transcription activation of downstream target genes. The simplest dCas9-based activators consist of dCas9 fused directly to a single transcriptional activator. Importantly, unlike the genome modifications induced by Cas9 or Cas9 nickase, dCas9-mediated gene activation is reversible, since it does not permanently modify the genomic DNA.

Indeed, genome editing was successfully used to over-express a protein of interest in a plant by, for example, mutating a regulatory sequence, such as a promoter to overexpress the endogenous polynucleotide operably linked to the regulatory sequence. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20160102316 to Rubio Munoz, Vicente et al., describes plants with increased expression of an endogenous DDA1 plant nucleic acid sequence wherein the endogenous DDA1 promoter carries a mutation introduced by mutagenesis or genome editing which results in increased expression of the DDA1 gene, using for example, CRISPR. The method involves targeting of Cas9 to the specific genomic locus, in this case DDA1, via a 20 nucleotide guide sequence of the single-guide RNA. An online CRISPR Design Tool can identify suitable target sites (tools.genome-engineering.org; Ran et al. (2013) Nature Protocols, 8911:2281-2308).

The CRISPR-Cas system was used for altering (increasing or decreasing) gene expression in plants as described in U.S. Patent Application publication No. 20150067922 to Yang; Yinong et al. The engineered, non-naturally occurring gene editing system comprises two regulatory elements, wherein the first regulatory element (a) operable in a plant cell operably linked to at least one nucleotide sequence encoding a CRISPR-Cas system guide RNA (gRNA) that hybridizes with the target sequence in the plant, and a second regulatory element (b) operable in a plant cell operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a Type-II CRISPR-associated nuclease, wherein components (a) and (b) are located on same or different vectors of the system, whereby the guide RNA targets the target sequence and the CRISPR-associated nuclease cleaves the DNA molecule, thus altering the expression of a gene product in a plant. It should be noted that the CRISPR-associated nuclease and the guide RNA do not naturally occur together.

In addition, as described above, point mutations which activate a gene-of-interest and/or which result in over-expression of a polypeptide-of-interest can be also introduced into plants by means of genome editing. Such mutation can be for example, deletions of repressor sequences which result in activation of the gene-of-interest; and/or mutations which insert nucleotides and result in activation of regulatory sequences such as promoters and/or enhancers.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides a genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to at least one fungus and/or Oomycete compared to a non-engineered control plant, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939 compared to the polypeptide expression and/or activity in the non-engineered control plant. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprises at least one cell with enhanced expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell transformed with an exogenous polynucleotide encoding the at least one polypeptide, thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus. The exogenous polynucleotide can be endogenous to the plant cell or heterologous to the plant cell.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell edited to express an exogenous polynucleotide encoding the at least one polypeptide, thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell edited to over-express an endogenous polynucleotide encoding the at least one polypeptide, thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus comprises at least one cell with enhanced expression of a polynucleotide encoding the at least one polypeptide. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polynucleotide expression in the genetically engineered plant is enhanced in comparison to the polynucleotide expression in a control plant.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the at least one polypeptide having enhanced expression and/or activity comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to certain embodiments, the at least one polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus comprises at least one cell with reduced expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polypeptide expression and/or activity in the genetically engineered plant is reduced in comparison to the polypeptide expression and/or activity in a control plant.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having reduced expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide comprises at least one cell having reduced expression of a polynucleotide encoding said at least one polypeptide, thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises a polynucleotide encoding a modified form of the at least one polypeptide, wherein the modified form has reduced or no activity compared to the unmodified form, thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polypeptide the expression of which is reduced comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:590, 603 and 619. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to certain embodiments, the polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 74, 87, 103, 139, 152, and 167. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides a genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to at least one fungus and/or Oomycete compared to a control plant, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-939 compared to the polypeptide expression and/or activity in a control plant. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:571-964. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression of a polynucleotide encoding the at least one polypeptide.

According to additional aspect, the present invention provides a genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to at least one fungus and/or Oomycete compared to a control plant, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression of at least one polynucleotide at least about 80%, at least about 81%, at least about 82%, at least about 83%, at least about 84%, at least about 85%, at least about 86%, at least about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99% or more homologous, or identical to a polynucleotide having an nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:55-527 compared to the polynucleotide expression and/or activity in a control plant. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression of at least one polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:55-564. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, modified expression/and or activity of the polypeptide or polynucleotide encoding same comprises enhanced expression and/or activity. According to certain embodiments, modified expression/and or activity of the polypeptide or polynucleotide encoding same comprises reduced expression and/or activity.

According to certain aspects, the present invention provide a genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to at least one fungus and/or Oomycete compared to a control plant, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having enhanced expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 573, 575-578, 585, 586, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and 943. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the at least one polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 57, 59-62, 69, 70, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 136, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and 536. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprises at least one cell with reduced expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polypeptide expression and/or activity in the genetically engineered plant is reduced in comparison to the polypeptide expression and/or activity in a control plant.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant having reduced expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide comprises at least one cell having reduced expression of a polynucleotide encoding said at least one polypeptide, thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus.

According to certain embodiments, the genetically engineered plant comprises a polynucleotide encoding a modified form of the at least one polypeptide, wherein the modified form has reduced or no activity compared to the unmodified form, thereby having an enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, the polypeptide the expression of which is reduced comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:590, 603 and 619. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. According to certain embodiments, the polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from nth e group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:74, 87, 103, 139, 152, and 167. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Once expressed within the plant cell or the entire plant, the level of the polypeptide encoded by the exogenous polynucleotide can be determined by methods well known in the art such as, activity assays, Western blots using antibodies capable of specifically binding the polypeptide, Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA), radio-immuno-assays (RIA), immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and the like.

Methods of determining the level in the plant of the RNA transcribed from the exogenous polynucleotide are well known in the art and include, for example, Northern blot analysis, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis (including quantitative, semi-quantitative or real-time RT-PCR) and RNA-in situ hybridization.

The sequence information and annotations uncovered by the present teachings can be harnessed in favor of classical breeding. Thus, sub-sequence data of those polynucleotides described above, can be used as markers for marker assisted selection (MAS), in which a marker is used for indirect selection of a genetic determinant or determinants of a trait of interest (e.g., biomass, growth rate, oil content, yield, abiotic stress tolerance, water use efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency and/or fertilizer use efficiency). Nucleic acid data of the present teachings (DNA or RNA sequence) may contain or be linked to polymorphic sites or genetic markers on the genome such as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), DNA fingerprinting (DFP), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), expression level polymorphism, polymorphism of the encoded polypeptide and any other polymorphism at the DNA or RNA sequence.

Examples of marker assisted selections include, but are not limited to, selection for a morphological trait (e.g., a gene that affects form, coloration, male sterility or resistance such as the presence or absence of awn, leaf sheath coloration, height, grain color, aroma of rice); selection for a biochemical trait (e.g., a gene that encodes a protein that can be extracted and observed; for example, isozymes and storage proteins); selection for a biological trait (e.g., pathogen races or insect biotypes based on host pathogen or host parasite interaction can be used as a marker since the genetic constitution of an organism can affect its susceptibility to pathogens or parasites).

The polynucleotides and polypeptides described hereinabove can be used in a safe and cost effective manner in a wide range of economical plants, exemplary species of which are described hereinabove.

It will be appreciated that some genes involved in a plant defense mechanisms conferring resistance to a particular fungus species may also be involved in resistance to other species, regulated by the same or homologous genes. Of course, the overall defense mechanism is related, not identical, and therefore not all genes involved in resistance to one pathogen will confer resistance to other pathogens. Nonetheless, if a gene confers or enhances resistance to one of the pathogen species, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art to test for resistance to other pathogens, specifically to pathogen of the same genus or that cause similar symptoms.

According to certain embodiments, the fungus and/or Oomecete is selected from, but not limited to, Fusarium verticillioides; Fusarium graminearum; Collotetrichum graminicola; Fusarium avenaceum; Fusarium culmorum; Fusarium oxysporum; Fusarium roseum; Fusarium semitectum; Fusarium solani; Fusarium verticillioides; Fusarium verticillioides var. subglutinans; Acremonium strictum; Albugo candida; Albugo tragopogonis; Alternaria alternate; Alternaria brassicae; Alternaria helianthi; Alternaria zinnia; Aphanomyces euteiches; Ascochyta sorghina; Ascochyta tritici; Aspergillus flavus; Bipolaris maydis O; Bipolaris sorghicola; Bipolaris sorokiniana; Botrytis cinerea; Cephalosporium acremonium; Cephalosporium gramineum; Cephalosporium maydis; Cercospora kikuchii; Cercospora medicaginis; Cercospora sojina; Cercospora sorghi; Cladosporium herbarum; Clavibacter michiganense subsp. Nebraskense; Clavibacter michiganese subsp. Insidiosum; Claviceps purpurea; Claviceps sorghi; Cochliobolus heterostrophus; Colletotrichum dematium (Colletotichum truncatum); Colletotrichum trifolii; Colletotrichum sublineolum; Corn stunt spiroplasma; Corynespora cassiicola; Curvularia inaequalis; Curvularia lunata; Curvularia pallescens; Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora; Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae (Phomopsis sojae); Diplodia macrospora; Erwinia carotovora; Erwinia carotovorum pv. Carotovora; Erwinia chrysanthemi pv. Zea; Erwinia stewartii; Erysiphe cichoracearum; Erysiphe graminis fsp. tritici; Exserohilum turcicum I, II & III; Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici; Gibberella zeae (Fusarium graminearum); Gloeocercospora sorghi; Glomerella glycines; Helminthosporium carbonum I, II & III (Cochliobolus carbonum); Helminthosporium pedicellatum; Helminthosporium sorghicola; Kabatiella maydis; Leptosphaeria maculans; Leptosphaerulina briosiana; Leptotrichila medicaginis; Macrophomina phaseolina; Microsphaera diffusa; Mycosphaerella brassicicola; Nigrospora oryzae; Penicillium oxalicum; Perconia circinata; Peronosclerospora maydis; Peronosclerospora philippinensis; Peronosclerospora sacchari; Peronosclerospora sorghi; Peronospora manshurica; Peronospora parasitica; Peronospora trifoliorum; Phakopsora pachyrhizi; Phialophora gregata; Phoma insidiosa; Phoma macdonaldii; Phoma medicaginis var. medicaginis; Phomopsis helianthi; Phyllachara sacchari; Phyllosticta maydis; Phyllosticta sojicola; Physoderma maydis; Physopella zeae; Phytophthora cryptogea; Phytophthora megasperma; Phytophthora megasperma fsp. Glycinea; Plasmopora halstedii; Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides; Pseudomonas andropogonis; Pseudomonas avenae; Pseudomonas avenae (Pseudomonas alboprecipitans); Pseudomonas syringae p.v. atrofaciens; Pseudomonas syringae p.v. glycinea; Pseudomonas syringae p.v. syringae; Pseudopeziza medicaginis; Puccinia graminis fsp. tritici; Puccinia helianthi; Puccinia polysora; Puccinia purpurea; Puccinia recondita fsp. tritici; Puccinia sorghi; Puccinia striiformis; Pyrenophora tritici-repentis; Pythium aphanidermatum; Pythium arrhenomanes; Pythium debaryanum; Pythium gramicola; Pythium graminicola; Pythium irregular; Pythium splendens; Pythium ultimum; Ramulispora sorghi; Ramulispora sorghicola; Rhizoctonia cerealis; Rhizoctonia solani; Rhizopus arrhizus; Rhizopus oryzae; Rhizopus stolonifera; Sclerophthona macrospora; Sclerospora graminicola; Sclerotinia sclerotiorum; Sclerotinia trifoliorum; Sclerotium rolfsii; Septoria avenae; Septoria glycines; Septoria helianthi; Septoria nodorum; Septoria tritici; Exserohilum turcicum; Sphacelotheca cruenta; Sporisorium reilianum (Sphacelotheca reiliana); Sporisorium sorghi; Stagonospora meliloti; Stemphylium alfalfa; Stemphylium botryosum; Stemphylium herbarum; Stenocarpella maydi (Diplodia maydis); Tilletia indica; Tilletia laevis; Tilletia tritici; Trichoderma viride; Urocystis agropyri; Uromyces striatus; Ustilago maydis; Ustilago tritici; Verticillium albo-atrum; Verticillium dahlia; Xanthomonas campestris p.v. alfalfa; Xanthomonas campestris p.v. holcicola; Xanthomonas campestris p.v. phaseoli; and Xanthomonas campestris p.v. translucens. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Specific pathogenic fungi or Oomycetes are known to cause dramatic crop lose due to disease symptoms which negatively affect the quality of the crop. For example, Fusarium verticilloides and Fusarium graminearum casue rot in maize (specifically stalk rot), wheat, sweet paper, eggplants and and head blight is wheat. Fusarium oxysporum causes sudden death syndrome (SDS) in soybeans, yellow spots in sugar beet, Panama disease in Banana, and wilt in tomato, sweet pepper, eggplants, potatoes and various plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. Colletorichum spp. cause stalk rot in maize, anthracnose in sugar beet, tomato and sweet pepper. Botrytis cinerea causes gray mold in tomato, sweet pepper, eggplants and potato. Rust is caused by Puccinia spp. in maize, wheat and sunflower, by Uromyces spp. in sunflower and by Phakopsora in soybean. Phytopthora causes root rot in soybean, late blight in tomato and potato, blight in eggplant and blight fruit rot in sweet pepper. Mycosphaerella graminicola causes leaf blotch in wheat. Mycosphaerella fijiensis causes black leaf streak disease (BLSD; aka black Sigatoka leaf spot) in banana. Septoria lycopersici causes leaf spots in tomato. Verticillium spp. cause wilt disease in canola, sugar beet, tomato, sweet pepper, eggplant and potato. Magnaporthe oryza causes rice blast. Phytium spp. cause damping off disease in maize, soybean, tomato, sweet pepper, eggplant and potato and black vessels in sugar beet. Sclerotinia causes stem rot in soybean and white mold in tomato, sweet pepper, eggplant and potato. Rhizoctonia solani causes root crown rot in sugar beet, sheath blight in rice, and damping off disease in tomato, sweet pepper, eggplant and potato. Maize smut is caused by Ustilago maydis. Alternaria spp. cause leaf spots in sugar beet and sweet pepper, early blight in tomato and potato, and fruit rot in sweet pepper and eggplants. Cercospora causes leaf blight in soybean and leaf spots in sugar beet, sweet pepper, eggplants and potato. Macrophomina causes charcoal rot in maize, wheat, soybean, tomato and potato. Sclerotium rolfsii causes Southern blight in sweet pepper and eggplants. Oidium spp. cause powdery mildew in tomato, sweet pepper, eggplants and potato. Powdery mildew is also caused by Blumeria graminis.

Methods for identifying symptoms caused by various fungi and Oomycetes upon infection of specific plant species, and for measuring the degree of the plant susceptibility/resistance to the infection are well known to those skilled in the art.

The term “plant” as used herein encompasses a whole plant, a grafted plant, ancestor(s) and progeny of the plants and plant parts, including seeds, shoots, stems, roots (including tubers), rootstock, scion, and plant cells, tissues and organs. The plant or part thereof may be in any form including suspension cultures, embryos, meristematic regions, callus tissue, leaves, gametophytes, sporophytes, pollen, and microspores. Plants that are particularly useful in the methods of the invention include all plants which belong to the superfamily Viridiplantae, in particular monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants including a fodder or forage legume, ornamental plant, food crop, tree, or shrub selected from the list comprising Acacia spp., Acer spp., Actinidia spp., Aesculus spp., Agathis australis, Albizia amara, Alsophila tricolor, Andropogon spp., Arachis spp, Areca catechu, Astelia fragrans, Astragalus cicer, Baikiaea plurijuga, Betula spp., Brassica spp., Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Burkea africana, Butea frondosa, Cadaba farinosa, Calliandra spp, Camellia sinensis, Canna indica, Capsicum spp., Cassia spp., Centroema pubescens, Chacoomeles spp., Cinnamomum cassia, Coffea arabica, Colophospermum mopane, Coronillia varia, Cotoneaster serotina, Crataegus spp., Cucumis spp., Cupressus spp., Cyathea dealbata, Cydonia oblonga, Cryptomeria japonica, Cymbopogon spp., Cynthea dealbata, Cydonia oblonga, Dalbergia monetaria, Davallia divaricata, Desmodium spp., Dicksonia squarosa, Dibeteropogon amplectens, Dioclea spp, Dolichos spp., Dorycnium rectum, Echinochloa pyramidalis, Ehraffia spp., Eleusine coracana, Eragrestis spp., Erythrina spp., Eucalypfus spp., Euclea schimperi, Eulalia vi/losa, Pagopyrum spp., Feijoa sellowlana, Fragaria spp., Flemingia spp, Freycinetia banksli, Geranium thunbergii, GinAgo biloba, Glycine javanica, Gliricidia spp, Gossypium hirsutum, Grevillea spp., Guibourtia coleosperma, Hedysarum spp., Hemafjhia altissima, Heteropogon contoffus, Hordeum vulgare, Hyparrhenia rufa, Hypericum erectum, Hypefjhelia dissolute, Indigo incamata, Iris spp., Leptarrhena pyrolifolia, Lespediza spp., Lettuca spp., Leucaena leucocephala, Loudetia simplex, Lotonus bainesli, Lotus spp., Macrotyloma axillare, Malus spp., Manihot esculenta, Medicago saliva, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Musa sapientum, Nicotianum spp., Onobrychis spp., Ornithopus spp., Oryza spp., Peltophorum africanum, Pennisetum spp., Persea gratissima, Petunia spp., Phaseolus spp., Phoenix canariensis, Phormium cookianum, Photinia spp., Picea glauca, Pinus spp., Pisum sativam, Podocarpus totara, Pogonarthria fleckii, Pogonafjhria squarrosa, Populus spp., Prosopis cineraria, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pterolobium stellatum, Pyrus communis, Quercus spp., Rhaphiolepsis umbellata, Rhopalostylis sapida, Rhus natalensis, Ribes grossularia, Ribes spp., Robinia pseudoacacia, Rosa spp., Rubus spp., Salix spp., Schyzachyrium sanguineum, Sciadopitys vefficillata, Sequoia sempervirens, Sequoiadendron giganteum, Sorghum bicolor, Spinacia spp., Sporobolus fimbriatus, Stiburus alopecuroides, Stylosanthos humilis, Tadehagi spp, Taxodium distichum, Themeda triandra, Trifolium spp., Triticum spp., Tsuga heterophylla, Vaccinium spp., Vicia spp., Vitis vinifera, Watsonia pyramidata, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Zea mays, amaranth, artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, canola, carrot, cauliflower, celery, collard greens, flax, kale, lentil, oilseed rape, okra, onion, potato, rice, soybean, straw, sugar beet, sugar cane, sunflower, tomato, squash tea, maize, wheat, barley, rye, oat, peanut, pea, lentil and alfalfa, cotton, rapeseed, canola, pepper, sunflower, tobacco, eggplant, eucalyptus, a tree, an ornamental plant, a perennial grass and a forage crop. Alternatively algae and other non-Viridiplantae can be used for the methods of the present invention.

According to some embodiments, the plant used according to the teachings of the present invention is a crop plant such as rice, maize, wheat, barley, peanut, potato, sesame, olive tree, palm oil, banana, soybean, sunflower, canola, sugarcane, alfalfa, millet, leguminosae (bean, pea), flax, lupinus, rapeseed, tobacco, poplar and cotton.

According to some embodiment, the plant used according to the teachings of the present invention is a field crop plant selected from the group consisting of tomato, potato, sweet potato, cassava, beets, ginger, horseradish, radish, ginseng, turnip, any root or tuber crop, pepper, eggplant, ground cherry, tomatillo, okra, other fruiting vegetables, cucumber cantaloupe, melon, muskmelon, squash, watermelon and other cucurbit plants.

According to some embodiments of the invention the plant is a dicotyledonous plant.

According to some embodiments of the invention the plant is a monocotyledonous plant.

According to some embodiments the present invention provides a plant cell expressing the exogenous polynucleotide of some embodiments of the invention, the nucleic acid construct comprising the exogenous polynucleotide of some embodiments of the invention and/or the polypeptide of some embodiments of the invention.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

The following examples are presented in order to more fully illustrate some embodiments of the invention. They should, in no way be construed, however, as limiting the broad scope of the invention. One skilled in the art can readily devise many variations and modifications of the principles disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Fungal Resistance—Genes Identification

The inventors of the present invention have identified polynucleotides related to resistant to fungal infection, particularly to infection by Fusarium verticilloides, Fusarium graminearum or Colletotrichum graminicola. Expression of the polynucleotide in plants can increase the plant resistance to fungal infection.

The nucleotide sequence datasets used for the polynucleotide identification were originated from publicly available databases as well as from Applicant proprietary sequencing data obtained using the Solexa technology (form e.g. wheat, maize and sorghum). Sequence data from 200 different plant species was introduced into a single, comprehensive database. The information used to build the datasets included gene expression levels, protein annotation, enzymatic activity and involvement in biosynthetic pathways.

Major databases used included:

Genomic Databases

Arabidopsis genome [TAIR genome version 6 (arabidopsis.org/)];

Rice genome [IRGSP build 4.0 (rgp.dna.affrc.go.jp/IRGSP/)];

Poplar [Populus trichocarpa release 1.1 from JGI (assembly release v1.0) (genomejgi-psforg/)];

Brachypodium [JGI 4x assembly, brachpodium.org)];

Soybean [DOE-JGI SCP, version Glyma0 (phytozome.net/)];

Grape [French-Italian Public Consortium for Grapevine Genome Characterization grapevine genome (genoscope.cns.fr/)];

Castorbean [TIGR/J Craig Venter Institute 4x assembly [msc.jcvi.org/r communis];

Sorghum [DOE-JGI SCP, version Sbil [phytozome.net/)]; and

Maize “B73” [DOE-JGI SCP, version AGPv2 [phytozome.net/)];

Databases of Expressed EST and mRNA Sequences:

GenBank ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/dbEST;

RefSeq (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/RefSeq/);

TAIR (arabidopsis.org/);

Protein and Pathway Databases:

Uniprot [uniprot.org/];

AraCyc [arabidopsis.org/biocyc/index.jsp];

ENZYME [expasy.org/enzyme/];

Microarray datasets were downloaded from: GEO (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/); TAIR (arabidopsis.org/); and Applicant proprietary microarray data as described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2008/122980.

QTL and SNPs information was retrieved from Gramene [gramene.org/qtl/]; and to Panzea [panzea.org/index.html].

Database Assembly

Database assembly was performed to build a wide, rich, reliable annotated and easy to analyze database. The assembly comprised data retrieved from publicly available genomic sequences, mRNA sequences, ESTs DNA sequences and QTL data, as well as information regarding gene expression, protein annotation, and involvement in biosynthesis pathway, all in various plant types. The assembly further comprised data retrieved from Applicant proprietary databases produced from various plant types including genomic sequences, mRNA sequences, expression, proteomic and metabolomic data, QTL (quantitative trait loci) and GWAS (genome-wide association studies) data.

Database assembly is comprised of a toolbox of gene refining, structuring and annotation as well as analysis tools enabling to construct a tailored database for each gene discovery project. Gene refining and structuring tools enable to reliably detect splice variants and antisense transcripts, and understand various potential phenotypic outcomes of a single gene. The capabilities of the “LEADS” platform of Compugen LTD. for analyzing human genome have been confirmed and accepted by the scientific community [see e.g., “Widespread Antisense Transcription”, Yelin, et al. (2003) Nature Biotechnology 21, 379-85; “Splicing of Alu Sequences”, Lev-Maor, et al. (2003) Science 300 (5623), 1288-91; “Computational analysis of alternative splicing using EST tissue information”, Xie H et al. Genomics 2002], and have been proven most efficient in plant genomics as well.

EST Clustering and Gene Assembly

For gene clustering and assembly of organisms with available genome sequence data (Arabidopsis, rice, castorbean, grape, Brachypodium, poplar, soybean, sorghum) the genomic LEADS version (GANG) was employed. This tool allows most accurate clustering of ESTs and mRNA sequences on genome, and predicts gene structure as well as alternative splicing events and antisense transcription.

For organisms with no available full genome sequence data, “expressed LEADS” clustering software was applied.

Gene Annotation

Predicted genes and proteins were annotated as follows: BLAST™ search [blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi] against all plant UniProt [uniprot.org/] sequence was performed. Open reading frames (ORFs) of each putative transcript were analyzed and longest ORF with highest number of homologues was selected as a predicted protein of the transcript. The predicted proteins were analyzed by InterPro [ebi.ac.uk/interpro/].

BLAST™ against proteins from AraCyc and ENZYME databases was used to map the predicted transcripts to AraCyc pathways.

Predicted proteins from different species were compared using BLAST™ algorithm [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi] to validate the accuracy of the predicted protein sequence, and for efficient detection of orthologs.

Gene Expression Profiling

Several data sources were exploited for gene expression profiling, namely microarray data and digital expression profile (see below). Genes were analyzed for expression patterns in different plant species and varieties. The analysis was based on differential expression under uninfected and infected conditions, wherein the infection was induced by different pathogens and the gene expression was measured in different plant organs and at different time points along the disease development. Publicly available microarray datasets were downloaded from TAIR and NCBI GEO sites, renormalized, and integrated into the database. Expression profiling is one of the most important resource data for identifying genes related to disease resistance.

A digital expression profile summary was compiled for each gene cluster according to all keywords included in the sequence records comprising the cluster. Digital expression, also known as electronic Northern Blot, is a tool that displays virtual expression profile based on the expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences forming the gene cluster. The tool provides the expression profile of a cluster in terms of plant anatomy (e.g., the tissue/organ in which the gene is expressed), developmental stage (the developmental stages at which a gene can be found) and profile of treatment (provides the physiological conditions under which a gene is expressed such as drought, cold, pathogen infection, etc). Given a random distribution of ESTs in the different clusters, the digital expression provides a probability value that describes the probability of a cluster having a total of N ESTs to contain X ESTs from a certain collection of libraries. For the probability calculations, the following is taken into consideration: a) the number of ESTs in the cluster, b) the number of ESTs of the implicated and related libraries, c) the overall number of ESTs available representing the species. Thereby clusters with low probability values are highly enriched with ESTs from the group of libraries of interest indicating a specialized expression.

Recently, the accuracy of this system was demonstrated by Portnoy et al., 2009 (Analysis of The Melon Fruit Transcriptome Based on 454 Pyrosequencing, in: Plant & Animal Genomes XVII Conference, San Diego, Calif.). Transcriptomeic analysis, based on relative EST abundance in data was performed by 454 pyrosequencing of cDNA representing mRNA of the melon fruit. Fourteen double strand cDNA samples obtained from two genotypes, two fruit tissues (flesh and rind) and four developmental stages were sequenced. GS FLX pyrosequencing (Roche/454 Life Sciences) of non-normalized and purified cDNA samples yielded 1,150,657 expressed sequence tags, that assembled into 67,477 unigenes (32,357 singletons and 35,120 contigs). Analysis of the data obtained against the Cucurbit Genomics Database [icugi.org/] confirmed the accuracy of the sequencing and assembly. Expression patterns of selected genes fitted well their qRT-PCR data.

The genes listed in Table 1 below were identified as candidates to have a major impact on plant resistance to at least one of Fusarium verticilloides, Fusarium graminearum and Colletotrichum graminicola when expression thereof is increased in plants. The identified gene name, the plant from which it derived, and the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of each gene are summarized in Table 1, herein below.

TABLE 1 Genes associated with plant resistance to fungal pathogens Polyn Polyp. Gene Name Organism SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: LAB511 Zea mays 565 965 LFS2 Hordeum vulgare 55 571 LFS3 Hordeum vulgare 56 572 LFS4 Hordeum vulgare 57 573 LFS6 Hordeum vulgare 58 574 LFS7 Hordeum vulgare 59 575 LFS8 Hordeum vulgare 60 576 LFS9 Hordeum vulgare 61 577 LFS10 Hordeum vulgare 62 578 LFS11 Zea mays 63 579 LFS13 Zea mays 64 580 LFS14 Zea mays 65 581 LFS15 Zea mays 66 582 LFS16 Zea mays 67 583 LFS17 Zea mays 68 584 LFS18 Zea mays 69 585 LFS19 Zea mays 70 586 LFS21 Zea mays 71 587 LFS22 Zea mays 528 940 LFS23 Zea mays 72 588 LFS24 Zea mays 73 589 LFS25 Zea mays 74 590 LFS26 Zea mays 75 591 LFS27 Zea mays 76 592 LFS28 Zea mays 529 966 LFS29 Zea mays 77 593 LFS30 Zea mays 78 594 LFS31 Zea mays 79 595 LFS32 Zea mays 80 596 LFS33 Zea mays 81 597 LFS34 Zea mays 82 598 LFS35 Zea mays 83 599 LFS36 Zea mays 84 600 LFS37 Zea mays 85 601 LFS38 Zea mays 86 602 LFS39 Zea mays 87 603 LFS40 Zea mays 530 941 LFS42 Zea mays 88 604 LFS43 Zea mays 89 605 LFS44 Zea mays 90 606 LFS45 Sorghum bicolor 91 607 LFS46 Sorghum bicolor 92 608 LFS47 Sorghum bicolor 93 609 LFS48 Sorghum bicolor 531 942 LFS49 Sorghum bicolor 94 610 LFS50 Sorghum bicolor 95 611 LFS51 Sorghum bicolor 96 612 LFS52 Sorghum bicolor 97 613 LFS53 Sorghum bicolor 98 614 LFS54 Sorghum bicolor 99 615 LFS55 Sorghum bicolor 100 616 LFS57 Sorghum bicolor 101 617 LFS58 Sorghum bicolor 102 618 LFS59 Sorghum bicolor 103 619 LFS60 Sorghum bicolor 104 620 LFS61 Sorghum bicolor 105 621 LFS62 Sorghum bicolor 106 622 LFS65 Sorghum bicolor 107 623 LFS66 Sorghum bicolor 108 624 LFS67 Triticum aestivum 109 625 LFS68 Triticum aestivum 110 626 LFS70 Triticum aestivum 111 627 LFS71 Triticum aestivum 112 628 LFS72 Triticum aestivum 113 629 LFS73 Triticum aestivum 114 630 LFS74 Triticum aestivum 115 631 LFS75 Triticum aestivum 116 632 LFS76 Triticum aestivum 117 633 LFS77 Triticum aestivum 118 634 LFS78 Triticum aestivum 119 635 LFS79 Hordeum vulgare 532 967 LFS80 Zea mays 120 636 “polyn.” = polynucleotide; “polyp.” = polypeptide.

Example 2: Fungal Resistance—Identification of Homologous Sequences

The concepts of orthology and paralogy have recently been applied to functional characterizations and classifications on the scale of whole-genome comparisons. Orthologs and paralogs constitute two major types of homologs: The first evolved from a common ancestor by specialization, and the latter are related by duplication events. It is assumed that paralogs arising from ancient duplication events are likely to have diverged in function while true orthologs are more likely to retain identical function over evolutionary time.

To further investigate and identify putative orthologs of the genes identified to affect plant resistance to Fusarium verticilloides, Fusarium graminearum or Colletotrichum graminicola, all sequences were aligned using the BLAST™ (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool). Sequences sufficiently similar were tentatively grouped. These putative orthologs were further organized under a Phylogram—a branching diagram (tree) assumed to be a representation of the evolutionary relationships among the biological taxa. Putative ortholog groups were analyzed as to their agreement with the phylogram and in cases of disagreements these ortholog groups were broken accordingly.

Expression data were analyzed and the EST libraries were classified using a fixed vocabulary of custom terms such as developmental stages (e.g., genes showing similar expression profile through development with up-regulation at specific stage, such as at seed germination, time points during seedling growth and at maturity) and/or plant organ (e.g., genes showing similar expression profile across their organs with up-regulation at specific organs such as roots and stems). The annotations from all the ESTs clustered to a gene were analyzed statistically by comparing their frequency in the cluster versus their abundance in the database, allowing the construction of a numeric and graphic expression profile of that gene, which is termed “digital expression”. The rationale of using these two complementary methods with methods of phenotypic association studies of QTLs, SNPs and phenotype expression correlation is based on the assumption that true orthologs are likely to retain identical function over evolutionary time. These methods provide different sets of indications on function similarities between two homologous genes, including similarities in the sequence level—identical amino acids in the protein domains and similarity in expression profiles.

The search and identification of homologous genes involves the screening of sequence information available, for example, in public databases such as the DNA Database of Japan (DDBJ), GenBank, and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory Nucleic Acid Sequence Database (EMBL) or versions thereof or the MIPS database. A number of different search algorithms have been developed, including but not limited to the suite of programs referred to as BLAST™ programs. There are five implementations of BLAST™, three designed for nucleotide sequence queries (BLASTN, BLASTX, and TBLASTX) and two designed for protein sequence queries (BLASTP and TBLASTN) (Altschul, S. F et al., (1990) “Basic local alignment search tool.” J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410). Such methods involve alignment and comparison of sequences. The BLAST™ algorithm calculates percent sequence identity and performs a statistical analysis of the similarity between the two sequences. The software for performing BLAST™ analysis is publicly available through the National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Other such software or algorithms are GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA and TFASTA. GAP uses the algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (J. Mol. Biol. 48: 443-453, 1970) to find the alignment of two complete sequences that maximizes the number of matches and minimizes the number of gaps.

The homologous genes may belong to the same gene family. The analysis of a gene family may be carried out using sequence similarity analysis. To perform this analysis one may use standard programs for multiple alignments e.g. Clustal W. A neighbor-joining tree of the proteins homologous to the proteins encoded by the genes identified in this invention may be used to provide an overview of structural and ancestral relationships. Sequence identity may be calculated using an alignment program as described above. It is expected that plants other that those examined in the present invention will carry a similar functional gene (ortholog) or a family of similar genes and those genes will provide the same preferred phenotype as the genes presented here. Advantageously, these family members may be useful in the methods of the invention. Example of other plants are included here but not limited to, barley (Hordeum vulgare), Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), maize (Zea mays), cotton (Gossypium), Oilseed rape (Brassica napus), Rice (Oryza sativa), Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), Soybean (Glycine max), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), and Wheat (Triticum aestivum).

The above-mentioned analyses for sequence homology can be carried out on a full-length sequence, but may also be based on a comparison of certain regions such as conserved domains. The identification of such domains would also be well within the realm of the person skilled in the art and would involve, for example, a computer readable format of the nucleic acids of the present invention, the use of alignment software programs and the use of publicly available information on protein domains, conserved motifs and boxes. This information is available in the PRODOM (biochem.ucl.ac.uk/bsm/dbbrowser/protocol/prodomqry.html), PIR (pir.Georgetown.edu/) or Pfam (sanger.ac.uk/Software/Pfam/) databases. Sequence analysis programs designed for motif searching may be used for identification of fragments, regions and conserved domains as mentioned above. Preferred computer programs include, but are not limited to, MEME, SIGNALSCAN, and GENESCAN.

A person skilled in the art may use the homologous sequences provided herein to find similar sequences in other species and other organisms. Homologues of a protein encompass, peptides, oligopeptides, polypeptides, proteins and enzymes having amino acid substitutions, deletions and/or insertions relative to the unmodified protein in question and having similar biological and functional activity as the unmodified protein from which they are derived. To produce such homologues, amino acids of the protein may be replaced by other amino acids having similar properties (conservative changes, such as similar hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, antigenicity, propensity to form or break α-helical structures or β-sheet structures). Conservative substitution Tables are well known in the art (see for example Creighton T E (1984) Proteins. W.H. Freeman and Company). Homologues of a nucleic acid encompass nucleic acids having nucleotide substitutions, deletions and/or insertions relative to the unmodified nucleic acid in question and having similar biological and functional activity as the unmodified nucleic acid from which they are derived.

Polynucleotides and polypeptides with significant homology to the identified genes described in Table 1 (Example 1) were identified from the databases using BLAST′ software with the Blastp and tBlastn algorithms as filters for the first stage, and the needle (EMBOSS package) or Frame+ algorithm alignment for the second stage. Local identity (BLAST′ alignments) was defined with a very permissive cutoff—60% Identity on a span of 60% of the sequences lengths because it is used only as a filter for the global alignment stage. The default filtering of the BLAST′ package was not utilized (by setting the parameter “-F F”).

In the second stage, homologs were defined based on a global identity of at least 80% to the core gene polypeptide sequence. Two distinct forms for finding the optimal global alignment for protein or nucleotide sequences were used in this application:

1. Between two proteins (following the BLASTP filter):

EMBOSS-6.0.1 Needleman-Wunsch algorithm with the following modified parameters: gapopen=8 gapextend=2. The rest of the parameters were unchanged from the default options described hereinabove.

2. Between a protein sequence and a nucleotide sequence (following the TBLASTN filter):

GenCore 6.0 OneModel application utilizing the Frame+ algorithm with the following parameters: model=frame+_p2n.model mode=qglobal-q=protein. sequence-db=nucleotide. sequence. The rest of the parameters are unchanged from the default options described hereinabove.

The query polypeptide sequences were the sequences listed in Table 1 (Example 1). The subject sequences are protein sequences identified in the database based on greater than 80% global identity to the predicted translated sequences of the query nucleotide sequences or to the polypeptide sequences. Homology was calculated as % of identity over the aligned sequences. The identified orthologous and homologous sequences having at least 80% global sequence identity to said sequences are provided in Table 2, below. These homologous genes are expected to increase plant resistance to fungal infection caused by the mentioned pathogens.

TABLE 2 Homologues (e.g., orthologues) of genes associated with plant resistance to fungal infection Hom. P.N. P.P. to SEQ Hom. to SEQ SEQ % ID Gene ID ID glob. NO: Name Organism and cluster name NO: NO: Iden. Algor. 461 LFS73 rye|12v1|DRR001012.104905 — 630 93.80 glotblastn 462 LFS73 barley|15v2|AK364670_P1 889 630 92.50 globlastp 552 LFS28 sorghum|13v2|AW677965 974 966 89.90 globlastp 524 LFS48 foxtail_millet|14v1|PHY7SI016521M_P1 938 943 87.60 globlastp 525 LFS48 millet|10v1|EVO454PM006842_P1 939 943 85.20 globlastp 546 LFS48 rice|15v1|CA766103 — 943 82.05 glotblastn 547 LAB511 switchgrass|12v1|FL746481 951 965 83.40 globlastp 526 LAB511 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187765.483904 — 965 82.95 glotblastn 527 LAB511 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004960072_T1 — 965 82.53 glotblastn 548 LAB511 maize|15v1|CD970855_P1 973 965 82.10 globlastp 549 LAB511 maize|15v1|DY535185_P1 952 965 81.10 globlastp 550 LAB511 sorghum|13v2|XM_002447200 953 965 80.60 globlastp 551 LAB511 sorghum|13v2|CX610661 954 965 80.20 globlastp 241 LFS24 sorghum|13v2|BG558020 704 589 91.60 globlastp 242 LFS24 switchgrass|12v1|DN143477 705 589 84.10 globlastp 243 LFS24 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X143197D1_P1 706 589 82.80 globlastp 244 LFS24 foxtail_millet|14v1|EC612087_P1 707 589 81.40 globlastp 185 LFS2 rye|12v1|BE586308 655 571 93.00 globlastp 186 LFS2 wheat|12v3|BQ805 651 656 571 92.70 globlastp 187 LFS2 rye 12v1DRR001012.11364 657 571 92.20 globlastp 188 LFS2 wheat|12v3|BE404157 658 571 92.20 globlastp 521 LFS48 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X114688D1_T1 — 942 89.90 glotblastn 522 LFS48 switchgrass_12v1|FE603017 936 942 85.90 globlastp 523 LFS48 maize|15v1|CD951781_P1 937 942 80.50 globlastp 468 LFS76 rye|12v1|GFXFJ535238X1 895 633 94.80 globlastp 469 LFS76 wheat|12v3|CA679884 896 633 93.50 globlastp 470 LFS76 rye|12v1|DRR001012.108690 897 633 92.30 globlastp 471 LFS76 barley|15v2|BE413097_P1 898 633 92.10 globlastp 472 LFS76 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP035055_P1 899 633 91.80 globlastp 473 LFS76 wheat|12v3|CK163601 900 633 90.70 globlastp 474 LFS76 aegilops|16v1|DRR001933X243680D1_P1 901 633 86.30 globlastp 475 LFS76 aegilops|16v1|AET16VlCRP050870_T1 — 633 85.28 glotblastn 476 LFS76 wheat|12v3|BE404901 902 633 83.90 globlastp 477 LFS76 wheat|12v3|BE401152 903 633 83.10 globlastp 478 LFS76 rye|12v1|DRR001014.575164 — 633 83.06 glotblastn 479 LFS76 barley|15v2|HV15V1CRP044213_P1 904 633 81.70 globlastp 480 LFS76 wheat|12v3|CA644338 905 633 81.40 globlastp 481 LFS76 brachypodium|14v1|GT802548_P1 906 633 81.20 globlastp 482 LFS76 aegilops|16v1|AET16VlCRP035057_P1 907 633 80.60 globlastp 483 LFS76 brachypodium|14v1|DV488684_P1 908 633 80.60 globlastp 484 LFS76 wheat|12v3|SRR400828X659068D1 — 633 80.32 glotblastn 350 LFS42 sorghum|13v2|BF507255 795 604 92.10 globlastp 351 LFS42 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187767.213464 — 604 89.06 glotblastn 352 LFS42 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004968983_P1 796 604 84.80 globlastp 353 LFS42 millet|10v1|EVO454PM066944_P1 797 604 83.50 globlastp 201 LFS8 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP018569_P1 671 576 84.70 globlastp 202 LFS8 wheat|12v3|BG313747 671 576 84.70 globlastp 203 LFS8 wheat|12v3|AL821923 672 576 84.40 globlastp 204 LFS8 leymus|gb166|EG401721_P1 673 576 83.30 globlastp 232 LFS16 sorghum|13v2|BE595959 695 583 94.20 globlastp 233 LFS16 foxtail_millet|14v1|JK550380_P1 696 583 89.60 globlastp 234 LFS16 switchgrass|12v1|FE628035 697 583 89.60 globlastp 235 LFS16 switchgrass|12v1|FE611166 698 583 89.10 globlastp 236 LFS16 rice|15v1|CB680836 699 583 82.20 globlastp 440 LFS68 aegilops|16v1|AET16VIPRD035326_P1 870 626 91.30 globlastp 441 LFS68 rye|12v1|BE496031 871 626 90.20 globlastp 442 LFS68 wheat|12v3|ERR125556X206228D1 872 626 90.20 globlastp 443 LFS68 wheat|12v3|BE492942 873 626 89.40 globlastp 444 LFS68 rye|12v1|DRR001012.590018 874 626 89.00 globlastp 445 LFS68 rye|12v1|DRR001012.180664 875 626 87.20 globlastp 446 LFS68 oat|14v1|GR366795_P1 876 626 85.10 globlastp 447 LFS68 rye|12v1|DRR001012.177439 877 626 84.00 globlastp 448 LFS68 barley|15v2|BE412789_P1 878 626 82.10 globlastp 449 LFS68 oat|14v1|GR356944_P1 879 626 80.20 globlastp 553 LFS79 rye|12v1|DRR001012.103995 955 967 96.40 globlastp 554 LFS79 rye|12v1|DRR001012.100386 956 967 96.10 globlastp 555 LFS79 wheat|12v3|BE604530 957 967 95.80 globlastp 556 LFS79 rye|12v1|DRR001012.158837 958 967 95.80 globlastp 557 LFS79 aegilops|16v1|KJ608058_P1 959 967 94.60 globlastp 570 LFS79 pseudoroegneria|gb167|FF344192 975 967 93.90 globlastp 558 LFS79 oat|14v1|GR350608_P1 960 967 88.30 globlastp 559 LFS79 oat|14v1|GR354682_P1 976 967 88.30 globlastp 560 LFS79 oat|14v1|SRR020744X192992D1_P1 961 967 88.30 globlastp 561 LFS79 oat|14v1|GR354701_P1 962 967 88.00 globlastp 562 LFS79 oat|14v1|SRR020744X93227D1_P1 963 967 88.00 globlastp 563 LFS79 oat|14v1|ASTE13V1K23C304615_P1 964 967 87.10 globlastp 564 LFS79 oat|14v1|SRR020741X245165D1_P1 977 967 83.40 globlastp 485 LFS77 wheat|12v3|BE420085 — 634 83.10 glotblastn 486 LFS77 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1PRD016747_T1 — 634 80.82 glotblastn 487 LFS77 aegilops|16v1||UNMK23C263100_T1 — 634 80.28 glotblastn 488 LFS77 rye|12v1|DRR001012.226432 — 634 80.00 glotblastn 335 LFS38 sorghum|13v2|CF759046 782 602 90.40 globlastp 336 LFS38 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004975720_P1 783 602 89.00 globlastp 337 LFS38 switchgrass|12v1|FL778360 784 602 87.80 globlastp 338 LFS38 rice|15v1|BI809181 785 602 82.30 globlastp 339 LFS38 brachypodium|14v1|GT839590_P1 786 602 81.60 globlastp 340 LFS38 rye|12v1|DRR001012.105662 787 602 81.50 globlastp 341 LFS38 rye|12v1|DRR001012.114613 788 602 81.30 globlastp 342 LFS38 wheat|12v3|CA716307 789 602 81.10 globlastp 343 LFS38 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1PRD037842_T1 — 602 80.47 glotblastn 503 LFS43 brachypodium|14v1|DV471685_P1 923 644 82.90 globlastp 394 LFS51 foxtail_millet|14v1|EC612578_P1 831 612 89.90 globlastp 395 LFS51 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187767.167080 832 612 86.40 globlastp 396 LFS51 rice|15v1|AU091275 833 612 85.40 globlastp 397 LFS51 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP003692_P1 834 612 83.60 globlastp 398 LFS51 brachypodium|14v1|DV485657_P1 835 612 83.50 globlastp 399 LFS51 rye|12v1|DRR001012.107038 836 612 83.50 globlastp 400 LFS51 switchgrass|12v1|DN142155 — 612 82.36 glotblastn 401 LFS51 brachypodium|14v1|GT770007_T1 — 612 81.35 glotblastn 402 LFS51 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187765.582124 837 612 81.20 globlastp 403 LFS51 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004972058_P1 838 612 81.00 globlastp 404 LFS51 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004972057_P1 839 612 80.70 globlastp 283 LFS35 sorghum|13v2|BE126163 740 599 92.20 globlastp 284 LFS35 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004984084_P1 741 599 81.80 globlastp 285 LFS35 maize|15v1|CO528347_P1 742 599 80.30 globlastp 502 LFS38 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187765.292239 922 643 88.50 globlastp 354 LFS43 sorghum|13v2|AI723967 798 605 93.40 globlastp 355 LFS43 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187765.34871 799 605 89.70 globlastp 356 LFS43 foxtail_millet|14v1|PHY7SI016880M_P1 800 605 88.40 globlastp 357 LFS43 barley|15v2|BQ458589_P1 801 605 85.10 globlastp 358 LFS43 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP016465_P1 802 605 85.00 globlastp 359 LFS43 rice|15v1|AU058037 803 605 84.60 globlastp 360 LFS43 rice|15v1|CI107273 — 605 84.30 glotblastn 361 LFS43 maize|15v1|EXP1208S11328X013181941D1_T1 — 605 83.62 glotblastn 463 LFS74 rye|12v1|DRR001012.138028 890 631 94.50 globlastp 464 LFS74 rye|12v1|DRR001012.10513 891 631 94.40 globlastp 465 LFS74 rye|12v1|DRR001014.575857 892 631 94.40 globlastp 466 LFS74 barley|15v2|BE413202_P1 893 631 90.00 globlastp 460 LFS72 barley|15v2|BI954682_P1 888 629 88.80 globlastp 213 LFS10 rye|12v1|DRR001012.29282 — 578 90.97 glotblastn 214 LFS10 wheat|12v3|BQ805548 681 578 90.70 globlastp 215 LFS10 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP002333_P1 682 578 89.10 globlastp 216 LFS10 switchgrass|12v1|FL865876 683 578 86.70 globlastp 217 LFS10 switchgrass|12v1|FL865875 684 578 86.40 globlastp 218 LFS10 sorghum|13v2|CB926473 685 578 86.20 globlastp 219 LFS10 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004956897_P1 686 578 86.10 globlastp 220 LFS10 switchgrass|12v1|FL854196 687 578 86.00 globlastp 221 LFS10 maize|15v1|BI478869_T1 — 578 84.83 glotblastn 222 LFS10 maize|15v1|BM379500_T1 — 578 84.83 glotblastn 223 LFS10 brachypodium|14v1|DV486901_P1 688 578 80.50 globlastp 272 LFS32 sorghum|13v2|CD210737 — 596 80.29 glotblastn 189 LFS3 barley|15v2|BE422284XX2_P1 659 572 92.60 globlastp 190 LFS3 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP048397_P1 660 572 90.60 globlastp 191 LFS3 wheat|12v3|BQ838562 661 572 87.90 globlastp 192 LFS3 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP048396_P1 662 572 86.20 globlastp 193 LFS3 leymus|gb166|EG374767_P1 663 572 85.20 globlastp 427 LFS62 maize|15v1|DW846968_P1 860 622 91.80 globlastp 428 LFS62 maize|15v1|BM266980_P1 861 622 87.50 globlastp 429 LFS62 maize|15v1|EE332074_T1 — 622 83.74 glotblastn 430 LFS62 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004975122_P1 862 622 83.70 globlastp 431 LFS62 maize|15v1|DN230402_P1 863 622 83.00 globlastp 432 LFS62 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187767.674223 — 622 81.72 glotblastn 435 LFS67 rye|12v1|DRR001012.105129 866 625 96.00 globlastp 436 LFS67 barley|15v2|AJ475921_P1 867 625 92.00 globlastp 437 LFS67 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP041250_P1 868 625 84.80 globlastp 438 LFS67 brachypodium|14v1|XM_003579803_P1 869 625 83.70 globlastp 439 LFS67 oat|14v1|GR362039_T1 — 625 80.18 glotblastn 237 LFS54 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004985600_P1 700 615 87.30 globlastp 238 LFS54 switchgrass|12v1|FL909881 701 615 85.30 globlastp 240 LFS54 millet|10v1|PMSLX0056215D1_P1 703 615 83.90 globlastp 239 LFS54 rice|15v1|AU056672 702 615 83.90 globlastp 410 LFS54 barley|15v2|BF623877_P1 844 615 81.60 globlastp 411 LFS54 wheat|12v3|BE414911 845 615 81.10 globlastp 412 LFS54 brachypodium|14v1|GT817337_P1 846 615 80.80 globlastp 413 LFS54 oat|14v1|SRR020741X40277D1_P1 847 615 80.70 globlastp 414 LFS54 rye|12v1|DRR001012.112989 848 615 80.60 globlastp 224 LFS11 sugarcane|10v1|BQ532991 689 579 94.30 globlastp 225 LFS11 sorghum|13v2|AW672410 690 579 93.70 globlastp 226 LFS11 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X122343D1_P1 691 579 90.40 globlastp 227 LFS11 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X156577D1_P1 691 579 90.40 globlastp 228 LFS11 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X21605D1_P1 692 579 89.50 globlastp 229 LFS11 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X107346D1_P1 693 579 81.50 globlastp 433 LFS65 sorghum|13v2|EH410699 864 623 82.60 globlastp 512 LFS68 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1PRD035325_P1 649 649 100.00 globlastp 514 LFS75 rye|12v1|DRR001012.123365 931 653 94.10 globlastp 515 LFS75 rye|12v1|DRR001012.210738 932 653 92.50 globlastp 516 LFS75 barley|15v2|BI946793_P1 933 653 90.90 globlastp 517 LFS75 oat|14v1|GR354588_T1 — 653 80.86 glotblastn 489 LFS78 maize|15v1|UNMK35C13524597_P1 909 635 90.10 globlastp 405 LFS52 maize|15v1|AW067380_P1 840 613 88.90 globlastp 406 LFS52 maize|15v1|EXP1208S11326X010812552D1_T1 — 613 88.63 glotblastn 407 LFS52 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004958211_P1 841 613 83.00 globlastp 415 LFS55 switchgrass|12v1|FE601737 849 616 84.40 globlastp 456 LFS71 aegilops|16v1|BF291509_P1 885 628 97.30 globlastp 457 LFS71 rye|12v1|DRR001012.103095 886 628 90.90 globlastp 458 LFS71 barley|15v2|CA009878_T1 — 628 90.87 glotblastn 459 LFS71 brachypodium|14v1|DV475338_P1 887 628 81.10 globlastp 306 LFS37 sorghum|13v2|AI724117 755 601 96.50 globlastp 307 LFS37 foxtail_millet|14v1|EC613710_P1 756 601 94.90 globlastp 308 LFS37 switchgrass|12v1|FE621952 757 601 94.40 globlastp 309 LFS37 switchgrass|12v1|DT948924 758 601 94.00 globlastp 310 LFS37 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X100700D1_P1 759 601 93.90 globlastp 311 LFS37 millet|10v1|CD724661_P1 760 601 93.70 globlastp 312 LFS37 brachypodium|14v1|DV486568_P1 761 601 90.60 globlastp 313 LFS37 rye|12v1|DRR001012.105403 — 601 89.31 glotblastn 314 LFS37 wheat|12v3|BI750976 762 601 89.30 globlastp 315 LFS37 rye|12v1|DRR001012.107445 — 601 89.23 glotblastn 316 LFS37 oat|14v1|SRR020741X11812D1_P1 763 601 89.20 globlastp 317 LFS37 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1PRD016989_P1 764 601 89.10 globlastp 318 LFS37 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004973775_P1 765 601 89.10 globlastp 319 LFS37 rice|15v1|CF992373 766 601 89.00 globlastp 320 LFS37 sorghum|13v2|CF480199 767 601 87.40 globlastp 321 LFS37 sugarcane|10v1|CA072412 768 601 87.10 globlastp 322 LFS37 maize|15v1|BE640562_P1 769 601 84.50 globlastp 323 LFS37 maize|15v1|EC591027_P1 770 601 84.30 globlastp 324 LFS37 wheat|12v3|CA666875 771 601 84.10 globlastp 325 LFS37 rye|12v1|DRR001012.148038 772 601 84.00 globlastp 326 LFS37 coconut|14v1|COCOS14V1K19C1074024_P1 773 601 81.40 globlastp 327 LFS37 coconut|14v1|COCOS14V1K19C1505184_P1 774 601 81.30 globlastp 328 LFS37 chelidonium|11v1|SRR084752X101619_P1 775 601 81.00 globlastp 329 LFS37 pineapple|14v1|DT337633_P1 776 601 81.00 globlastp 330 LFS37 aquilegia|10v2|DR946530_P1 777 601 80.70 globlastp 331 LFS37 wheat|12v3|BF473779 778 601 80.40 globlastp 332 LFS37 poppy|11v1|SRR030259.105826_P1 779 601 80.30 globlastp 333 LFS37 amborella|12v3|CK758459_P1 780 601 80.20 globlastp 334 LFS37 banana|14v1|MAGEN2012001392_P1 781 601 80.00 globlastp 450 LFS70 rye|12v1|DRR001012.120897 627 627 100.00 globlastp 451 LFS70 barley|15v2|BF623292_P1 880 627 97.70 globlastp 452 LFS70 rye|12v1|DRR001017.1051299 881 627 92.60 globlastp 453 LFS70 wheat|12v3|BQ483330 882 627 89.80 globlastp 454 LFS70 barley|15v2|AK370420_P1 883 627 89.20 globlastp 455 LFS70 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP000111_P1 884 627 81.80 globlastp 417 LFS58 sugarcane|10v1|CA135276 851 618 86.40 globlastp 277 LFS34 maize|15v1|DW907845_T1 — 598 99.70 glotblastn 278 LFS34 maize|15v1|CD941187_P1 737 598 85.50 globlastp 279 LFS34 sorghum|13v2|AW677361 738 598 83.20 globlastp 280 LFS34 sugarcane|10v1|CA098461 — 598 80.72 glotblastn 281 LFS34 switchgrass|12v1|FE638209 — 598 80.71 glotblastn 282 LFS34 millet|10v1|EVO454PM056569_P1 739 598 80.70 globlastp 567 LFS22 sugarcane|10v1|BQ533886 969 940 94.90 globlastp 542 LFS22 sorghum|13v2|BE355836 970 940 93.60 globlastp 543 LFS22 foxtail_millet|14v1|EC612997_P1 948 940 84.10 globlastp 520 LFS22 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X129754D1_T1 — 940 84.08 glotblastn 544 LFS22 switchgrass|12v1|FL773555 949 940 82.20 globlastp 545 LFS22 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187765.131852 950 940 80.40 globlastp 513 LFS72 aegilops|16v1|EMT20096_P1 930 651 86.20 globlastp 237 LFS23 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004985600_P1 700 588 84.60 globlastp 238 LFS23 switchgrass|12v1|FL909881 701 588 83.90 globlastp 239 LFS23 rice|15v1|AU056672 702 588 81.00 globlastp 240 LFS23 millet|10v1|PMSLX0056215D1_P1 703 588 80.40 globlastp 434 LFS66 sugarcane|10v1|CA105932 865 624 83.20 globlastp 538 LFS13 maize|15v1|BM380262_P1 944 580 96.70 globlastp 539 LFS13 sugarcane|10v1|CA204117 945 580 86.40 globlastp 540 LFS13 sugarcane|10v1|CA138499 946 580 83.50 globlastp 230 LFS13 maize|15v1|BQ547702_T1 — 580 81.91 glotblastn 231 LFS13 maize|15v1|NM_001154979_P1 694 580 81.90 globlastp 541 LFS13 sugarcane|10v1|CA129798 947 580 81.80 globlastp 286 LFS36 maize|15v1|BM736190_P1 743 600 99.70 globlastp 287 LFS36 maize|15v1|DW245917_P1 744 600 99.40 globlastp 288 LFS36 maize|15v1|DT535900_T1 — 600 93.79 glotblastn 289 LFS36 maize|15v1|BG840138_T1 — 600 92.63 glotblastn 290 LFS36 maize|15v1|DW799418_T1 — 600 89.74 glotblastn 291 LFS36 sorghum|13v2|CB927729 745 600 89.40 globlastp 292 LFS36 sorghmn|13v2|CB927628 746 600 87.90 globlastp 293 LFS36 sorghmn|13v2|AW283259 — 600 87.57 glotblastn 294 LFS36 maize|15v1|CO466858_P1 747 600 87.00 globlastp 295 LFS36 maize|15v1|DQ246089_T1 — 600 86.73 glotblastn 296 LFS36 sugarcane|10v1|CA093054 748 600 86.20 globlastp 297 LFS36 maize|15v1|EXP1208S11311X043816967D1_T1 — 600 85.84 glotblastn 298 LFS36 foxtail_millet|14v1|EC612925_P1 749 600 84.30 globlastp 299 LFS36 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004960354_P1 750 600 82.90 globlastp 300 LFS36 maize|15v1|BM952659_T1 — 600 81.71 glotblastn 301 LFS36 sorghum|13v2|XM_002439189 751 600 81.70 globlastp 302 LFS36 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X252171D1_P1 752 600 81.40 globlastp 303 LFS36 echinochloa|14v1|ECHC14V1K19C85769_P1 753 600 80.50 globlastp 304 LFS36 switchgrass|12v1|FL915672 754 600 80.20 globlastp 305 LFS36 maize|15v1|EXP1208S11311X042935124D1_T1 — 600 80.12 glotblastn 421 LFS61 sugarcane|10v1|CA108591 854 621 96.30 globlastp 422 LFS61 maize|15v1|AI966920_P1 855 621 90.70 globlastp 423 LFS61 wheat|12v3|CA625253 856 621 89.80 globlastp 424 LFS61 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004952640_P1 857 621 87.20 globlastp 425 LFS61 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187765.111739 858 621 87.20 globlastp 426 LFS61 switchgrass|12v1|FL891452 859 621 86.50 globlastp 344 LFS39 foxtail_millet|14v1|JK567619_P1 790 603 88.60 globlastp 345 LFS39 switchgrass|12v1|HO339160 791 603 87.30 globlastp 346 LFS39 sorghum|13v2|XM_002440892 792 603 86.70 globlastp 347 LFS39 switchgrass|12v1|GD050070 — 603 84.31 glotblastn 348 LFS39 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP032906_P1 793 603 80.20 globlastp 349 LFS39 wheat|12v3|EB512032 794 603 80.20 globlastp 362 LFS44 sorghum|13v2|AW672390 804 606 90.40 globlastp 363 LFS44 echinochloa|14v1|SRR522894X161177D1_P1 805 606 88.40 globlastp 364 LFS44 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004984688_P1 806 606 85.40 globlastp 365 LFS44 sugarcane|10v1|CA110654 807 606 84.70 globlastp 366 LFS44 switchgrass|12v1|DN144469 808 606 83.00 globlastp 245 LFS25 foxtail_millet|14v1|JK594303_P1 708 590 95.10 globlastp 246 LFS25 maize|15v1|BG321301_P1 709 590 94.70 globlastp 247 LFS25 switchgrass|12v1|FE608907 710 590 94.50 globlastp 248 LFS25 sorghum|13v2|XM_002458092 711 590 94.20 globlastp 249 LFS25 switchgrass|12v1|FL814664 712 590 94.20 globlastp 250 LFS25 sorghum|13v2|EH410139 713 590 93.80 globlastp 251 LFS25 sorghum|13v2|AW678088 714 590 91.30 globlastp 252 LFS25 switchgrass|12v1|FL714712 715 590 89.30 globlastp 253 LFS25 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004969068_P1 716 590 88.50 globlastp 254 LFS25 brachypodium|14v1|XM_003569281_P1 717 590 88.20 globlastp 255 LFS25 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1PRD033403_P1 718 590 87.40 globlastp 256 LFS25 rice|15v1|AF093586 719 590 87.30 globlastp 257 LFS25 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004969066_P1 720 590 82.90 globlastp 258 LFS25 switchgrass|12v1|FE620452 721 590 81.90 globlastp 259 LFS25 rye|12v1|DRR001012.108478 — 590 81.86 glotblastn 260 LFS25 rice|15v1|GFXBK001016X1 722 590 81.80 globlastp 261 LFS25 sorghum|13v2|XM_002458090 723 590 81.80 globlastp 262 LFS25 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004956311_P1 724 590 81.70 globlastp 263 LFS25 sorghum|13v2|XM_002462342 725 590 81.70 globlastp 264 LFS25 switchgrass|12v1|FL990386 726 590 81.70 globlastp 265 LFS25 sorghum|13v2|XM_002458088 727 590 80.00 globlastp 382 LFS50 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004953911_P1 821 611 92.20 globlastp 383 LFS50 maize|15v1|DN224357_P1 822 611 91.90 globlastp 384 LFS50 switchgrass|12v1|DN142643 823 611 90.40 globlastp 385 LFS50 maize|15v1|CD219163_T1 — 611 90.36 glotblastn 386 LFS50 switchgrass|12v1|DN151772 824 611 89.80 globlastp 387 LFS50 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187765.504644 825 611 89.20 globlastp 388 LFS50 millet|10v1|PMSLX0006085D1_P1 826 611 84.80 globlastp 389 LFS50 rice|15v1|CB648865 827 611 82.80 globlastp 390 LFS50 wheat|12v3|CA628023 828 611 82.30 globlastp 391 LFS50 lolium|13v1|LOLR13V11032789_P1 829 611 81.70 globlastp 392 LFS50 rice|15v1|OS15V1CRP020043 — 611 81.35 glotblastn 393 LFS50 wheat|12v3|AL824774 830 611 81.10 globlastp 505 LFS55 sorghum|13v2|CB926137 924 647 91.40 globlastp 506 LFS55 maize|15v1|BE640439_T1 — 647 89.02 glotblastn 507 LFS55 sorghum|13v2|BE357034 925 647 87.80 globlastp 508 LFS55 maize|15v1|BM500052_P1 926 647 85.00 globlastp 509 LFS55 switchgrass|12v1|FL768899 927 647 84.50 globlastp 510 LFS55 millet|10v1|EVO454PM067027_P1 928 647 84.40 globlastp 511 LFS55 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004969217_P1 929 647 83.90 globlastp 518 LFS78 rye|12v1|DRR001012.101539 934 654 86.40 globlastp 519 LFS78 rye|12v1|DRR001012.104618 935 654 85.20 globlastp 408 LFS53 maize|15v1|AW927635_P1 842 614 91.20 globlastp 409 LFS53 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004968860_P1 843 614 81.00 globlastp 499 LFS18 sorghum|13v2|AI723795 919 639 88.20 globlastp 500 LFS18 maize|15v1|AI964600_P1 920 639 86.60 globlastp 501 LFS18 sugarcane|10v1|BQ533917 921 639 86.60 globlastp 267 LFS30 maize|15v1|DV530033_T1 — 594 99.71 glotblastn 268 LFS30 sorghum|13v2|CB925282 729 594 86.10 globlastp 269 LFS30 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004981433_P1 730 594 81.40 globlastp 418 LFS59 maize|15v1|CD953366_T1 — 619 91.57 glotblastn 419 LFS59 foxtail_millet|14v1|JK563489_P1 852 619 88.00 globlastp 420 LFS60 sugarcane|10v1|CA103858 853 620 87.70 globlastp 467 LFS75 lolium|13v1|SRR029311X3297_P1 894 632 80.30 globlastp 194 LFS4 rye|12v1|DRR001012.127695 664 573 90.90 globlastp 195 LFS4 wheat|12v3|BQ744116 665 573 89.70 globlastp 196 LFS4 rye|12v1|DRR001012.1573 666 573 87.20 globlastp 416 LFS57 maize|15v1|CA452413_P1 850 617 81.50 globlastp 504 LFS52 switchgrass|12v1|FL862416 — 646 83.43 glotblastn 490 LFS80 sorghum|13v2|BE362342 910 636 93.80 globlastp 491 LFS80 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004959448_P1 911 636 90.40 globlastp 492 LFS80 switchgrass|12v1|FL911281 912 636 90.30 globlastp 493 LFS80 switchgrass|12v1|SRR187765.55969 913 636 88.90 globlastp 494 LFS80 rice|15v1|BE040794 914 636 86.30 globlastp 495 LFS80 wheat|12v3|BM140327 915 636 83.90 globlastp 496 LFS80 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1CRP037285_P1 916 636 83.60 globlastp 497 LFS80 rye|12v1|DRR001012.105429 917 636 83.10 globlastp 498 LFS80 lolium|13v1|SRR029311X14838_P1 918 636 82.00 globlastp 205 LFS9 wheat|12v3|CK194246 674 577 92.80 globlastp 206 LFS9 wheat|12v3|CK196678 675 577 92.20 globlastp 207 LFS9 rye|12v1|DRR001012.113740 676 577 91.70 globlastp 208 LFS9 rye|12v1|DRR001012.112962 677 577 91.10 globlastp 209 LFS9 rye|12v1|DRR001012.12658 678 577 90.70 globlastp 210 LFS9 aegilops|16v1|AET16VlCRP037184_P1 679 577 90.10 globlastp 211 LFS9 oat|14v1|GR354580_P1 680 577 81.50 globlastp 212 LFS9 aegilops|16v1|EMT12236_T1 — 577 81.21 glotblastn 368 LFS46 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004954125_P1 810 608 96.00 globlastp 369 LFS46 switchgrass|12v1|FE620269 811 608 95.30 globlastp 370 LFS46 switchgrass|12v1|DN147093 812 608 94.80 globlastp 371 LFS46 foxtail_millet|14v1|PHY7SI013282M_P1 813 608 93.90 globlastp 372 LFS46 rice|15v1|BE607351 814 608 90.00 globlastp 373 LFS46 brachypodium|14v1|DV483650_P1 815 608 89.10 globlastp 374 LFS46 wheat|12v3|BE401157 — 608 88.59 glotblastn 375 LFS46 rye|12v1|DRR001012.141059 — 608 88.35 glotblastn 376 LFS46 rye|12v1|DRR001012.101790 816 608 88.30 globlastp 377 LFS46 rye|12v1|DRR001012.10184 — 608 88.00 glotblastn 378 LFS46 rye|12v1|DRR001012.100771 817 608 87.90 globlastp 379 LFS46 maize|15v1|CB239912_P1 818 608 87.10 globlastp 380 LFS46 rye|12v1|DRR001012.130964 819 608 85.30 globlastp 381 LFS46 maize|15v1|AW787244_P1 820 608 83.20 globlastp 367 LFS45 brachypodium|14v1|GT774653_P1 809 607 81.00 globlastp 197 LFS6 aegilops|16v1|AET16V1PRD000339_P1 667 574 90.10 globlastp 198 LFS6 wheat|12v3|BE489177 668 574 84.10 globlastp 199 LFS6 rye|12v1|DRR001012.104995 669 574 83.70 globlastp 200 LFS6 wheat|12v3|BE470963 670 574 83.30 globlastp 273 LFS33 maize|15v1|AI948033_P1 733 597 97.90 globlastp 274 LFS33 maize|15v1|BM501024_P1 734 597 88.70 globlastp 275 LFS33 maize|15v1|SRR014549X18495_P1 735 597 82.70 globlastp 276 LFS33 maize|15v1|BG841362_P1 736 597 81.20 globlastp 266 LFS29 maize|15v1|CF630397_P1 728 593 94.10 globlastp 270 LFS31 sorghum|13v2|BE360360 731 595 82.50 globlastp 271 LFS31 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004961370_P1 732 595 80.70 globlastp 568 LFS40 sorghum|13v2|XM_002462764 971 941 84.10 globlastp 569 LFS40 foxtail_millet|14v1|XM_004957537_P1 972 941 83.90 globlastp “P.N.” = polynucleotide; “P.P.” = polypeptide; “Algor.” = algorithm (used for sequence alignment and determination of percent homology); “Hom.”—homology; “iden.”—identity; “glob.”—global.

The output of the functional genomics approach described herein is a set of genes highly predicted to improve resistance of a plant to fungal infection by Fusarium verticilloides, Fusarium graminearum or Colletotrichum graminicola when expressed, particularly overexpressed, in said plant. Although each gene is predicted to have its own impact, modifying the mode of expression of more than one gene is expected to provide an additive or synergistic effect on the plant resistance Altering the expression of each gene described herein alone or of a set of genes together increases the overall plant resistance, hence expects to increase agricultural productivity.

Example 3: Genes Correlating with Resistance to Fungal Infection

Experimental Procedures

The association of gene expression with fungal infection was examined in sorghum (Sorghum), maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum spp), and Barley (Hordeum vulgare).

The following pathogenic fungi were used: Fusarium verticillioides (hereinafter F. verticillioides or Fv). A GFP transformant of F. verticillioides strain A-00149-FGSC 7600 (Oren et al., 2003, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 69:1695) was used throughout the data generation and validation experiments; Fusarium graminearum (hereinafter F. graminearum or Fv); and Colletotrichum graminicola (the asexual reproductive form of Glomerella graminicola, hereinafter C. graminicola or Cg).

Fungi Infection

The following modes of infection were used:

Direct root fungal infection: this method was used for F. verticillioides (Fv) and Fusarium graminearum (Fg). Sterilized seeds from tolerant and sensitive lines of the examined plant were germinated on water agar supplemented with Ampicillin (100 μg/ml) and inoculated with a fungal spore suspension (10⁶/ml) four days after germination. Control plants were mock inoculated with sterile water.

Soil infection: This method was used with F. verticillioides (Fv). Sterilized seeds from tolerant and sensitive lines of the examined plant were planted in infected soil (5 g Fv coated barley seeds/liter soil). Control plants were planted in soil inoculated with uninfected sterilized barley seeds.

Direct inoculum injection into plant stalk: This method was used with F. verticillioides (Fv) and with the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola (hereinafter C. graminicola or Cg). Sterilized seeds from sensitive and resistant lines of the examined plant were planted in soil and inoculated by injecting 100 μl of Fv/Cg spore suspension (10⁶/ml) into the plant stalk 40 days after planting. Control plants were mock inoculated.

RNA Extraction

RNA extraction was performed using TRIzol Reagent from Invitrogen (invitrogen.com/content.cfm?pageid=469). Approximately 30-50 mg of sample tissue was taken for the analysis. The weighed tissues were ground using pestle and mortar in liquid nitrogen and resuspended in 500 μl of TRIzol Reagent. To the homogenized lysate, 100 μl of chloroform were added followed by precipitation using isopropanol and two washes with 75% ethanol. The RNA was eluted in 30 μl of RNase-free water. RNA samples were cleaned up using Qiagen's RNeasy minikit clean-up protocol as per the manufacturer's protocol (QIAGEN Inc, CA USA).

RNA was extracted from tissues of the infected and mock plants obtained from each treatment as follows:

Direct root infection—Root and basal stem tissues from plants growing under normal or fungal infection conditions were sampled at 6, 24 and 72 hours post infection (hpi) and RNA was extracted as described hereinbelow.

Soil Infection—Root and stem tissues were sampled at 7 and 15 days post infection (dpi) and RNA was extracted as described hereinbelow.

Stalk Injection—Pith and cortex stem tissues were sampled 2 cm above the injection site at 3 and 7 days post infection (dpi) and RNA was extracted as described hereinbelow.

Identification and Validation of Gene Associated with Fungal Infection

In order to study the association of gene expression in the examined plant species and plant lines with fungal infection, the present inventors utilized available micro-arrays as described in details hereinbelow for each plant species examined. To define correlations between the levels of RNA expression and fungal resistance, parameters related to plant response to fungal infection were analyzed under normal and infected conditions. From plant identified as encompassing variance in the resistance or susceptibility spectrum, hybrids were selected for further association analysis between fungal infection and gene expression after the plants were challenged with F. verticillioides, F. graminearum or C. graminicola as described hereinabove.

Fungal infection was phenotypes depending on the mode of infection, as follows:

Plants infected via the direct root infection were phenotyped (24 and 72 hpi) for fungal recovery from root and stem tissues by culturing sterilized explants on PDA for 4-5 days and validating the presence of the Fv-GFP strain. For plants infected with Fg, development of necrosis on the roots was monitored along 7 days.

Plants infected via soil inoculation were phenotyped at 7 and 15 dpi for fungal recovery from root and stem tissues by culturing sterilized explants on PDA for 4-5 days. At 85 dpi plants were phenotyped by splitting the stalk and measuring the necrotic stem area.

Plants infected via direct stalk injection were phenotyped at 20 dpi by splitting the stalk and measuring the necrotic stem area and the number infected nodes.

RNA was extracted as described hereinabove.

Production of Sorghum Plant Transcriptomes

The association of gene expression in Sorghum lines with fungal infection was investigated utilizing a 65K sorghum oligonucleotide micro-array, produced by Agilent Technologies [chem.agilent.com/Scripts/PDS.asp?1Page=50879]. The array oligonucleotide represents about 65,000 sorghum genes and transcripts. To define correlations between the levels of RNA expression and fungal resistance, parameters related to responses to fungal infection were analyzed in 30 different Sorghum hybrids under normal and infected conditions as described hereinabove. Among them, 6 hybrids encompassing variance in the resistance spectrum to F. verticillioides (designated as “tolerant” and “sensitive”, Table 3) were selected for RNA differential expression analysis after challenge with F. verticillioides or F. graminearum as described hereinabove.

TABLE 3 Sorghum varieties used for production of transcriptomic data and their phenotypic response to F. verticillioides infection Response to Variety F. verticillioides STT106 Tolerant Greentrust Plus Tolerant PI 291382 Tolerant PI 533822 Sensitive PI 656107 Sensitive PI 533754 Sensitive

Production of Maize Transcriptome

The association of gene expression in Maize lines with fungal infection was investigated utilizing a Maize oligonucleotide micro-array, produced by Agilent Technologies [chem.agilent.com/Scripts/PDS.asp?1Page=50879]. The array oligonucleotide represents about 60K Maize genes and transcripts designed based on data from Public databases (Example 1). To define correlations between the levels of RNA expression and fungal resistance, parameters related to responses to fungal infection were analyzed in 30 different Maize hybrids under normal and infected conditions as described hereinabove. Among them, 6 hybrids encompassing variance in the resistance spectrum to F. verticillioides or C. graminicola (designated as “tolerant” and “sensitive”, Table 4 and Table 5, respectively) were selected for RNA expression analysis after challenge with F. verticillioides, F. graminearum or C. graminicola.

TABLE 4 Maize varieties used for production of transcriptomic data and their phenotypic response to F. verticillioides infection Response to Variety F. verticillioides 32W86 Tolerant Klips Sensitive W182E Tolerant B84 Sensitive NC350 Tolerant Ky WS4 Sensitive

TABLE 5 Maize varieties used for production of transcriptomic data and their phenotypic response to C. graminicola infection Response to Variety C. graminicola Ames3124 Tolerant PI587129 Tolerant PI550566 Sensitive PI576018 Tolerant PI587130 Sensitive PI587157 Sensitive

Production of Wheat Transcriptome

The association study of wheat lines to fungal infection, the present inventors utilizing a wheat oligonucleotide micro-array, produced by Agilent Technologies [chem.agilent.com/Scripts/PDS.asp?1Page=50879]. The array oligonucleotide represents about 50,000 wheat genes and transcripts.

In order to define correlations between the levels of RNA expression with fungal resistance related parameters, responses to fungal infection of 30 different wheat varieties were analyzed under normal and infected conditions as described hereinabove. Among them, 6 hybrids encompassing variance in the resistance spectrum to F. verticillioides (designated as “tolerant” and “sensitive”, Table 6) were selected for RNA expression analysis after challenge with F. verticillioides, F. graminearum.

TABLE 6 Wheat varieties used for production of transcriptomic data and their phenotypic response to F. verticillioides infection Response to Variety F. verticillioides Aurore Sensitive Precoce Tolerant Barani Sensitive N46 Tolerant Bobwhite Sensitive Thacher Tolerant

Differential Expression Analysis

The analysis was preformed via proprietary differential expression algorithm.

The default query parameters used were: >2 fold change, p value<0.01, FDR <0.5. (FDR=false discovery rate). Stringency varied due to specific experimental context.

The following queries were performed across species (aggregated through the use of proprietary ortholog determination), germplasm, organs, types of pathogens treated, and time post infection:

-   -   1. Up regulation upon infection: the gene's expression level is         higher in infected samples than in mock controls (both resistant         and susceptible lines are queried).     -   2. Stronger expression induction in resistant lines: the gene's         expression induction is higher in resistant than in susceptible         lines upon infection.     -   3. Higher basal expression in resistant lines: the gene's         expression is higher in resistant than in susceptible lines in         uninfected samples.

No type of query is necessary nor sufficient but overall enrichment of positive indications is considered to identify genes significantly qualifying the above criteria.

Results

The genes identified using the above differential expression analyses and the indications found per gene are described hereinabelow:

LAB511

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance

Maize—The gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (14 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). Following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg), the gene was upregulated in the pith and cortex tissues at late infection stages (7 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith at late infection stage (7 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fg at late infection stages (50 hours post infection—hpi).

LFS10

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (2, 3, 4 and 6 days post infection—dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi) and at late infection stage (10 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fg at early infection stages (50 hours post infection—hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

Maize—The gene was upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at late infection stage (7 dpi). An upregulation was observed as well at late infection stage in the roots following Fv inoculation (14 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fg (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at both early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi).

LFS11

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of resistant genotype in response to Fv at late infection stage (4 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at late infection stages (15 dpi).

LFS13

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene and other Maize orthologs were upregulated mainly in the inflorescences in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (3 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith at late infection stages (7 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi, 5 and 10 dpi, respectively). Also, an upregulation of the gene in the roots was detected following Fg infection (1 and 3 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith at late infection stage (7 dpi).

LFS14

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (14 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Fv (4 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues both at early and late infection stage (3 and 7 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith and cortex following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced an upregulation of the gene in the pith at early infection stage (3 dpi).

LFS15

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated following inflorescence infection with Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late stages (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). At 15 dpi the basal expression level of the gene was higher in the roots of resistant genotypes compared to the susceptible ones.

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at late infection stages (2 and 4 dpi).

LFS16

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) (3 and 4 days post infection—dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in both pith and cortex following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to (Fv) at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to (Fg) mainly at late, but also at early infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Barley—The Barley ortholog gene was upregulated mainly at late, but also at early stages to following inflorescence infection with Fg or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). At late infection stage, an upregulation was observed in the roots of resistant genotypes (5 and 15 dpi). In addition, injection of Fv spores to the Sorghum stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at both 3 and 7 dpi.

LFS17

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, 6 and 14 days post infection—dpi, respectively). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the resistant Maize genotype in response to inflorescence infection with Fv, at early stages (3 and 4 days post infection—dpi). The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith of resistant lines following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to (Fg) at early infection stages (50 hpi).

Barley—The Barley ortholog gene was upregulated mainly at late but also early stages following inflorescence infection with Fg or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON). Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, a minor upregulation was observed in the roots at late infection stage (15 dpi). Injection of Cg spores to the Sorghum stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in both pith and cortex tissues at 3 dpi.

LFS18

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, 6 and 14 days post infection dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated both in the pith and cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to Fg at late infection stages (50 hpi). Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (2, 3, 4 and 6 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv both at early and infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, 15 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced an upregulation of the gene in the pith both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi).

LFS2

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Barley—The gene was upregulated at both early and late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 days post infection—dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fg at early infection stages (24 hours post infection—hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (24 hpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes at late infection stage following Fv infection (5 dpi). Also, an upregulation of the ortholog was observed in the stem, at late infection stage (5 and 15 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in local upregulation response of the ortholog at both early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of mainly resistant genotypes in response to (Fv) at early and late infection stages (1 and 10 dpi). An upregulation was observed in the stem at late Fv infection stages (5 and 10 dpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in response to Fg infection at early stages (inflorescence, 30 and 50 hpi) and in the roots of resistant genotypes at late infection stage (3 dpi).

LFS21

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (14 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene both in the pith (mainly) and cortex tissues at early and late infection stage (3 and 7 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated both in the pith and cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the pith in response to Fv injection to the stalk (3 and 7 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in inflorescence in response to Fg at late infection stages (50 hpi).

LFS22

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stage (3 and 4 days post infection—dpi). At late stages, an upregulation was observed mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes following Fv inoculation (6 and 14 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in both pith and cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi) and was upregulated in the inflorescence following Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). The gene was also upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fg at early infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, resistant genotypes showed a higher basal expression level of the gene in the roots, compared to the more susceptible genotypes (15 dpi).

Barley—The Barley ortholog was upregulated at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (3, 4 and 6 dpi) or at early stage following challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 hours post infection—hpi).

Arabidopsis—The Arabidopsis ortholog was upregulated following leaf exogenous salicylic acid treatment (3 and 6 hours post treatment).

LFS23

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated at late infection stage in the roots of resistant genotypes following Fusarium verticillioides Fv inoculation (14 days post infection—dpi). An upregulation was observed as well in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith and cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fg at early infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (3 and 4 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

LFS24

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated at late infection stage in the roots of resistant genotypes following Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) inoculation (14 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at late infection stage (7 dpi). An upregulation was observed as well in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (4 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in both pith and cortex following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi) and in all genotypes at 24 hpi. In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to (Fg) at mainly late, but also early infection stages (30 and 50 hours post infection—hpi).

Barley—The Barley ortholog gene was upregulated at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (4 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, injection of Fv spores to the Sorghum stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at both 3 and 7 dpi. At 15 dpi it was observed that resistant genotypes presented higher basal expression level of the ortholog in the roots compared to the susceptible genotypes.

LFS25

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, 6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith at both early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in response to inflorescence infection with Fv, at early stages (3 and 4 days post infection—dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). Following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores an upregulation of the gene was observed in both pith and cortex tissues at late stages of infection (7 dpi). Inflorescence infection with Cg also resulted in upregulation of the gene (4 and 6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, upregulation was observed in the roots of resistant genotypes at late infection stage (6 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith at 3 and 7 dpi.

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). Also, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fg (30 and 50 hpi).

Barley—The Barley ortholog was upregulated at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (3, 4 and 6 dpi) or at early stage following challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 14 hpi).

Arabidopsis—The Arabidopsis ortholog was upregulated following exogenous salicylic acid treatment of the leaves (3, 6, 12 and 24 hours post treatment).

LFS26

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, 14 days post infection—dpi, respectively). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at late infection stage (7 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 and 4 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to (Fg) at early infection stages (50 hours post infection—hpi).

Barley—The Barley ortholog gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

LFS27

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, 6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 and 4 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at late infection stage (7 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi).

LFS28

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi, 14 days post infection—dpi, respectively). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene mainly of the resistant genotypes, in the pith and cortex tissues (3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 and 4 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots of mainly resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith and the cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (1.5, 4 and 6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS3

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Barley—The gene was upregulated at both early and late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3, 4 and 6 days post infection—dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early and late infection stages (6 hpi, 6 and 14 dpi, respectively). The ortholog was upregulated as well in inflorescences in response to Fv infection (3 dpi). An upregulation was also observed in the roots in response to Fg infection (1 and 3 dpi). Injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues at late infection stages (7 dpi). As well, an upregulation at late infection stage was observed in the inflorescence following Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (15 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue (3 and 7 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). Also, upregulation was observed mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes following Fg infection (6 hpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fg infection at early stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS30

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at both early and infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, 6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). Moreover, the gene was upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to (Fg) at late infection stages (48 and 96 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated at early stages following inflorescence challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at both early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, 15 dpi, respectively). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at late stage of infection (7 dpi).

LFS31

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene and other Maize orthologs were upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, 6 days post infection—dpi, respectively). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues at late infection stages (7 dpi). In addition, an upregulation was detected in the inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stages (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stage (6 hpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes detected following Fg infection (1 dpi) and was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Fg (50 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, 5 and 15 dpi, respectively).

LFS32

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stage (14 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the cortex tissue of resistant genotypes at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, and 5 dpi, respectively).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS33

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated at late infection stage in the roots of resistant genotypes following Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) inoculation (6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). An upregulation was observed as well in Maize inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 and 4 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) infection (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (24 hpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue (3 and 7 dpi).

LFS34

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (14 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv both at early and late infection stages (24 hours post infection—hpi, 10 dpi, respectively). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to Fg at early infection stages (50 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (3, 4 and 6 dpi) Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS35

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (14 days post infection—dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the inflorescence following Fv infection (3 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues tissue at late infection stage (3 and 7 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith and cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, 5 dpi, respectively). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the (3 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi).

LFS36

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stage (3 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith (3 and 7 dpi) and in the cortex (7 dpi). Upregulation was observed as well at late infection stage in the roots of resistant genotypes following Fv inoculation (6 and 14 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the cortex following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) (3 and 7 dpi) and was upregulated in the inflorescence following Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (hours post infection—hpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fg (1 and 3 dpi). Sorghum—The

Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

LFS37

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3 dpi). Moreover, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescences following infection with Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (4 and 6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to Fg at early infection stages (50 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (3 and 4 dpi).

LFS38

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early and late infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, and days post infection—dpi, respectively). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the cortex following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early and late infection stages (6 hpi and 5 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to (Fg) at early infection stages (50 hpi).

LFS39

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi, 14 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues at both early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots of mainly resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith tissue following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). At 24 hpi, an upregulation was observed mainly in roots of the resistant genotypes. Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in minor upregulation of the gene in the cortex tissue (3 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fg at late infection stage (50 hpi).

LFS4

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Barley—The gene was upregulated at both early and late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3, 4 and 6 days post infection—dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early and late infection stages (6 hpi and 14 dpi, respectively). The ortholog was upregulated as well in inflorescences in response to Fv infection (3 dpi). An upregulation was also observed in the roots in response to Fg infection (1 and 3 dpi). Injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the cortex at early infection stage (3 dpi). Also, an upregulation at late infection stage was observed in the inflorescence following Cg infection (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fg infection at early stages (30 and 50 hpi).

LFS40

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance

Maize—The gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 days post infection—dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

LFS42

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 days post infection—dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

LFS43

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance

Maize—Injection of Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at 3 and 7 days post infection—dpi. Upregulation was observed as well at late infection stage in the roots of resistant genotypes following Fv inoculation (6 and 14 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in both pith and cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). The gene was upregulated as well in the roots in response to Fg at early infection stage (24 hpi) and in the inflorescence at 30 and 50 hpi). Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, a late response was observed in the roots following Fv infection (15 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith (3 and 7 dpi) and cortex (3 dpi).

LFS44

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated mainly in the pith of resistant genotypes following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the stem in response to Fv at late infection stages (5 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fg at late infection stages (50 hours post infection—hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, 15 dpi, respectively). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi). Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS45 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi, 6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith (3 and 7 dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Fv (3 and 4 dpi). As well, an upregulation in the roots was detected following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (3 dpi). Injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith (3 and 7 dpi) and cortex (3 dpi). In addition, an upregulation of the ortholog was detected in the inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi). Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fg both at early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

LFS46

Expression based indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) in roots of all genotypes at early infection stages, whereas in resistant genotypes there was upregulation also at late infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi, 5 days post infection—dpi, respectively).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of all genotypes at early infection stage and mainly in resistant genotypes at late infection stages in response to Fv (6 hpi and 6 dpi, respectively). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fg at late infection stages (50 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (4 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (24 hpi).

LFS47 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith (3 dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at late infection stage (14 dpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fv (3 dpi). Also, an upregulation in the roots was detected mainly in resistant genotypes following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (1 and 3 dpi). Injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at late infection stage (3 and 7 dpi). In addition, a minor upregulation of the ortholog was detected in the inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated mainly in the inflorescence of resistant genotypes in response to Fg at late infection stages (50 hpi).

LFS48 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stage (6 hpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fv (3 dpi). Also, an upregulation in the roots was detected following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, an upregulation of the ortholog was detected in the inflorescence in response to Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) infection (6 dpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (3 and 4 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 hpi).

LFS49 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 days post infection—dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

LFS50 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in inflorescences of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). As well, an upregulation in the roots was detected following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (1 and 3 dpi). Injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at early infection stage (3 dpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Cg at late infection stage (4 and 6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). Also, the gene was upregulated mainly at the inflorescence of resistant genotypes in response to Fg at both early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi. 2 and 4 days post infection—dpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (48, 72, 96 and 144 hpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

LFS51 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) in roots at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith, both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 days post infection—dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fv infection (3 and 4 dpi). In addition, upregulation in the inflorescence was detected following Colletotrichum graminicola infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fg both at early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi). Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (2, 3, 4 and 6 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi). Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS52

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). At late infection stage a minor upregulation in the roots was observed (14 days post infection—dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of mainly resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early and late infection stages (6 hpi, 6 and 14 dpi, respectively). The ortholog was also upregulated in inflorescences of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (3 dpi). Also, upregulation in the roots was detected following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (3 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues (3 and 7 dpi). Injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at late infection stage (7 dpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Cg at late infection stage (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (24 hpi). The gene was also upregulated mainly in inflorescences of resistant genotypes in response to Fg at late infection stages (50 hpi). Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (72, 96 and 144 hpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS53

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, an upregulation was observed in the roots of resistant genotypes at late infection stage (5 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the Sorghum stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene at the pith tissue at 3 and 7 dpi.

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). A minor upregulation was observed in both roots and stem following infection with Fv (10 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). As well the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at early infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at late infection stages (14 dpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (4 dpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stage (4 and 6 dpi). Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS54

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) in roots at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi) and in all genotypes at 24 dpi. In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fg both at early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at late infection stage (6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). An upregulation in the inflorescences was detected in response to Fv infection (3 dpi). Also, an upregulation in the roots was detected following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith and cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores, and was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi). Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (2, 3, 4 and 6 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS55

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at both early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi, 15 days post infection—dpi, respectively). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). As well, an upregulation in the roots was detected following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stage (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). Also, the gene was upregulated mainly at the inflorescences of resistant genotypes in response to Fg at both early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (48, 72, 96 and 144 hpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hours to post infection—hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS57

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (2, 3, 4 and 6 days post infection—dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to (Fg) at early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS6

Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early, but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3 and 4 days post infection—dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (6 and 14 dpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in inflorescences of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (3 and 4 dpi). As well, an upregulation was observed in the roots of mainly resistant genotypes in response to Fg at early infection stages (1 and 3 dpi). Following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores, the ortholog was upregulated in the pith of resistant genotypes at late infection stages (7 dpi). Similarly, an upregulation of the ortholog was found in the inflorescence tissue in response to infection with a Cg b-glucan overexpressing strain (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots of all genotypes or mainly in resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, respectively).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, the gene is upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at both early and late infection stages (30, 50 and 96 hpi).

LFS60 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) in roots at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). At late stages, the gene was upregulated in resistant genotypes in response to Fv infection (15 days post infection—dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, 5 days post infection—dpi, respectively). In addition, an upregulation of the gene following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) was detected in the roots (3 dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Fv infection (3 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene at late infection stage (7 dpi). As well, an upregulation in the roots was detected following Fg infection (3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores (3 and 7 dpi).

LFS61 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi, 5 days post infection, respectively). At late Fv infection stage an upregulation was detected in the stem (5 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced an upregulation of the gene both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stage (6 and 24 hpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fv (3 and 4 dpi). Also, an upregulation in the roots was detected following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

LFS62 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). The gene was also upregulated mainly in the inflorescence of resistant genotypes in response to Fg at both early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi. 2 and 4 days post infection—dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at both early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi. 6 and 14 dpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stage (6 dpi). Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 144 hours post infection—hpi).

LFS65 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes (6 hpi) and in all genotypes (24 hpi) in response to Fv at early infection stages. In addition, the gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at early infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 days post infection—dpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stage (6 dpi). Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12, 24, 48 and 72 hours post infection—hpi).

LFS66

Maize—Injection of Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in both pith and cortex tissues of resistant genotypes mainly, at early and late infection stage (3 and 7 days post infection—dpi). An upregulation was observed as well at late infection stage in the roots and stem of resistant genotypes following Fv inoculation (14 dpi). The gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in both pith and cortex following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, injection of Fv spores to the Sorghum stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue mainly at 3 dpi but also at 7 dpi. At late Fv infections stages, the ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes (5 dpi).

LFS67 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The gene was upregulated in the roots of mainly resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (3 and 10 days post infection—dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at late infection stages (50 hours post infection—hpi).

Barley—The Barley ortholog was upregulated at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (3, 4 and 6 dpi). Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi). Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at late infection stages (14 dpi). The ortholog was also upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). In addition, injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues at late infection stage (7 dpi).

LFS68 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the roots and in the inflorescences in response to (Fg) infection (3 days post infection—dpi and 50 hpi, respectively).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, 5 and 15 dpi, respectively).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at late infection stages (6 and 14 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fg infection (3 dpi). Also, an upregulation of the ortholog was found in inflorescences in response to Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) infection (6 dpi). Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS7 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Sorghum—The gene was upregulated in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) in roots at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi) and in all genotypes at 24 dpi. In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fg both at early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at late infection stage (6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). An upregulation in the inflorescences was detected in response to Fv infection (3 dpi). Also, an upregulation in the roots was detected following Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith and cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores, and was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (2, 3, 4 and 6 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS70 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence of wheat in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) both at early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (2, 3, 4 and 6 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi).

LFS72 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at late infection stages (50 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated at early stages following challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

LFS73 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The gene is upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene is upregulated in Wheat's inflorescence in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at early infection stages (30 and 50 hpi). Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog is upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog is upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, the ortholog is upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The ortholog as well is upregulated in the roots in response to Fg (3 dpi). The ortholog is also upregulated in both pith and cortex following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi). As well an upregulation of the ortholog is found in Maize's inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

LFS74 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in Wheat's inflorescence in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at early and late infection stages (30 and 50 hpi, 2 and 4 days post infection—dpi, respectively).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, an upregulation was observed in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at late infection stages (5 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation in the pith tissue at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi). Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence tissue in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). As well an upregulation of the ortholog was found in Maize's inflorescence in response to Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) infection (6 dpi).

Barley—The Barley ortholog gene was upregulated at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (3, 4 and 6 dpi). Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS75 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection (50 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, 5 and 15 days post infection—dpi, respectively). In addition, injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith (3 and 7 dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at late infection stages (6 and 14 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith tissue at late infection stage (7 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 and 4 days post infection—dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fg infection (3 dpi). The gene was upregulated in the pith following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS76 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The gene was upregulated in the roots of mainly resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at both early and late infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, 5 and 10 days post infection—dpi, respectively). In addition, the gene was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at late infection stages (50 hours post infection—hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated at both early and late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3, 4 and 6 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (24 hpi).

LFS77 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The gene was upregulated in the roots of more resistant lines at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi) and in all genotypes (24 hpi) in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) infection. In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at later infection stages (50 hpi).

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (2, 3, 4 and 6 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi). Maize—The ortholog gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 hpi, 6 and 14 dpi, respectively). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the inflorescence following Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi).

LFS78

Wheat—The gene was upregulated mainly in inflorescences of resistant genotype in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at late infection stages (50 hours post infection—hpi, 2 and 4 days post infection—dpi). In addition, an upregulation of the gene was detected in the stem following Fusarium pseudo graminearum infection.

Barley—The gene was upregulated at both early and late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (4 and 6 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12, 24 and 48 hpi).

LFS79 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Barley—The gene was upregulated at both early and late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 days post infection—dpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi, 6 and 14 dpi). The ortholog was upregulated as well in inflorescences of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (3 dpi). An upregulation was also observed in the roots in response to Fg at late infection stages (3 dpi). A minor upregulation of the ortholog was found in the inflorescence tissue in response to infection with a Cg beta-glucan overexpressing strain (6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 hpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in response to Fg infection at early stages (inflorescence, 30 and 50 hpi).

LFS8 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (4 and 6 days post infection—dpi)

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at late infection stages (14 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation in the pith and cortex tissues at both early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi). The ortholog was upregulated as well in inflorescences in response to Fv infection (3 and 4 dpi). A late response was also observed in the roots in response to Fg infection (3 dpi). Injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores to the stalk induced upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues at late infection stage (7 dpi). Upregulation at late infection stage was also observed in the inflorescence following Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (24 hpi). A late response was observed in the stem following infection (5 dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced upregulation in the pith at both early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi) while in the cortex a response was detected at late infection stage only (7 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (24 hpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Fg infection (50 hpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS80 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi and 14 dpi respectively). The gene was also upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in Maize inflorescences in response to Fv at early infection stage (3 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith and cortex tissues at late infection stage (7 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the pith and cortex tissues following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores at late infection stages (7 dpi), and was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Cg infection (6 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, the gene ortholog was upregulated in inflorescences in response to Fg at early infection stages (30 and 50 hpi). Barley—The gene was upregulated mainly at early but also at late stages following inflorescence infection with Fg (2, 3, 4 and 6 dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hpi). Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). At late infection stage the gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes (5 dpi).

LFS9 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Barley—The gene was upregulated at both early and late stages following inflorescence infection with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (3 and 4 days post infection—dpi) or challenging assays with the mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) (12 and 24 hours post infection—hpi).

Maize—The Maize ortholog was upregulated in inflorescences of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) infection (3 dpi).

Rice—The Rice ortholog was upregulated in response to salicylic acid treatment (3 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced an upregulation of the gene in the pith both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi).

Wheat—The Wheat ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, the ortholog was upregulated in the inflorescences in response to Fg infection 50 hpi).

LFS71 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Wheat—The gene was upregulated in the in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at both early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hours post infection—hpi, 10 days post infection—dpi, respectively). In addition, the gene was upregulated mainly in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) at early infection stage (24 hpi), and was upregulated in the inflorescences at late infection stages (50 hpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv both at early and late infection stages (6 and 24 hpi, 5 dpi, respectively). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk induced an upregulation of the gene in the pith both at early and late infection stages (3 and 7 dpi).

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the inflorescences in response both to Fv at early infection stage (3 dpi) and Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) at late infection stages (6 dpi).

Brachypodium—The Brachypodium ortholog gene was upregulated following spikes inoculation with Fg (96 hpi).

LFS29 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize—The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (6 hours post infection—hpi) and a relatively higher upregulation was observed at late infection stages (6 and 14 days post infection—dpi). Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene at late stages in both pith and cortex tissues (7 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the resistant Maize genotype in response to inflorescence infection with Fv, at early stages (4 dpi). Also, the gene was upregulated in the roots in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in the cortex (3 dpi) and in the pith (7 dpi) following stalk injection of Colletotrichum graminicola (Cg) spores, and was upregulated in the inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Sorghum—The Sorghum ortholog was upregulated in the roots in response to Fv at early infection stages (6 and 24 hpi). In addition, upregulation was observed in the roots of resistant genotypes at late infection stage (6 dpi). At 15 dpi, resistant genotypes presented higher basal level of the gene. Injection of Fv spores to the stalk resulted in upregulation of the gene in the pith at 3 and 7 dpi.

LFS19 Expression Based Indications for Fusarium or Colletotrichum Resistance:

Maize: The gene was upregulated in the roots of resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at early infection stages (1.5 hours post infection). A relatively higher upregulation in response to Fv infection was observed in the roots and stems at late infection stages (14 days post infection—14 dpi). In addition, the gene was upregulated in Maize inflorescence in response to Fv at early infection stage (4 dpi). The gene was also upregulated in the roots of mainly resistant genotypes in response to Fusarium graminearum (Fg) (1 and 3 dpi). Also, the gene was upregulated in the Maize inflorescence in response to Cg infection (4 and 6 dpi).

Tables 7-10 summarize the identity of core genes identified in sorghum, maize, wheat and barley (respectively) and their orthologs, based on the transcriptoms and differential expression analyses described hereinabove. “x” denotes expression of the gene associated with the indicated fungi at the indicated plant part. The orthologs are identified by the SEQ ID NO. of the encoded protein.

Table 7 hereinbelow presents core genes revealed in Sorghum and related orthologs in Maize and Barley in different organs of the plants after challenge with F. verticilloides, F. graminearum or C. graminicola. Cells marked by “x” denote genes associated with Fusarium verticilloides (Fv) or Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection revealed in stem or root of Sorghum. Numbers within cells are SEQ ID NOs. of proteins encoded by orthologs of the genes revealed in Sorghum identified in maize and barley.

TABLE 7 Expression atlas of Sorghum selected genes and related orthologs Sorghum Maize Barley Organ Stem Root Inflor. Root Inflor. Gene Fungus name Fg Fv Fg Fv Cg Fg Fv Cg Fg Fv Fg LFS45 x x LFS46 x 820, 818 820, 818 LFS47 x x LFS48 x 937 937 937 LFS49 x LFS50 x 822 822 822 822 LFS51 x x LFS52 x 840 840 840 840 840 LFS53 x x 842 842 842 LFS54 x 845 845 845 845 844 LFS55 x x 926 926 926 926 LFS59 x x LFS57 x LFS58 x x LFS60 x LFS61 x x 855 855 LFS62 x LFS65 x LFS66 x x “Fv” = Fusarium verticilloides; “Fg” = Fusarium graminearum: “Cg” = Colletotrichum graminicola

Table 8 hereinbelow presents core genes revealed in Maize and related orthologs in Sorghum and Wheat in different organs of the plants after challenge with F. verticilloides, F. graminearum or C. graminicola. Cells marked by “x” denote genes associated with Fusarium verticilloides (Fv), Fusarium graminearum (Fg) or Colletotrichum graminicola to (Cg) infection revealed in stem, inflorescence or root of Maize. Numbers within cells are SEQ ID NOs. of proteins encoded by orthologs of the genes revealed in Maize identified in Sorghum and Wheat.

TABLE 8 Expression atlas of Maize selected genes and related orthologs Maize Sorghum Wheat Organ Stem Inflor Root Stem Root Inflor Root Gene Fungus name Fg Fv Cg Fg Fv Cg Fg Fv Fv Fg Fv Fg Fg Fv LFS11 x x x 690 LFS13 x x x x LFS14 x x x x LFS15 x x x LFS16 x x x 695 695 LFS17 x x x LFS18 x x x x x 919 919 LFS19 x x x x LFS21 x x x LFS22 x x x x 970 LFS24 x x x x x 704 704 LFS25 x x x x x x LFS26 x x x x x LFS27 x x x x LFS28 x x x 974 LFS29 x x x x x x LFS30 x x x x 729 729 LFS31 x x x x 731 LFS32 x x x x x x LFS33 x x x x LFS34 x x x x LFS35 x x x x x 740 LFS36 x x x x x LFS37 x x x x 755 LFS38 x x x x x 782 789 789 LFS39 x x x x x 792 LFS40 x x 971 LFS42 x x 795 LFS43 x x x x x 798 LFS44 x x x x x 804 804 LFS54 x x x x x 845 845 LFS80 x x x x x x 910 915 915 “Fv” = Fusarium verticilloides; “Fg” = Fusarium graminearum: “Cg” = Colletotrichum graminicola

Table 9 hereinbelow presents core genes revealed in Wheat and related orthologs in Maize and Barley in different organs of the plants after challenge with F. verticilloides, F. graminearum or C. graminicola. Cells marked by “x” denote genes associated with Fusarium verticilloides (Fv) or Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection revealed in stem, inflorescence or root of Wheat. Numbers within cells are SEQ ID NOs. of proteins encoded by orthologs of the genes revealed in Wheat identified in maize and barley.

TABLE 9 Expression atlas of Wheat selected genes and related orthologs Wheat Maize Barley Organ Stem Inflor. Root Inflor Inflor. Gene Fungus name Fg Fv Fg Fv Fg Fv Fv Cg Fg LFS53 x x x 842 842 LFS67 x x 867 LFS68 x x LFS70 x x LFS72 x x LFS73 x x LFS74 x x 893 LFS75 x x LFS76 x x 898, 904 LFS77 x x LFS78 x “Fv” = Fusarium verticilloides; “Fg” = Fusarium graminearum: “Cg” = Colletotrichum graminicola

Table 10 hereinbelow presents core genes revealed in Barley and related orthologs in wheat in different organs of the plants after challenge with F. verticilloides or F. graminearum. Cells marked by “x” denote genes associated with Fusarium graminearum (Fg) infection revealed in inflorescence of Barley. Numbers within cells are SEQ ID NOs. of proteins encoded by orthologs of the genes revealed in Barley identified in Wheat.

TABLE 10 Expression atlas of Barley selected genes and related orthologs Barley Wheat Organ Inflor. Inflor. Root Fungus Gene name Fg Fg Fg Fv LFS10 x 681 LFS2 x 656, 658 LFS3 x 661 661 661 LFS4 x LFS6 x 668, 670 668, 670 LFS7 x LFS8 x 671, 672 671, 672 LFS9 x LFS79 x 957 957 “Fg” = Fusarium verticilloides; “Fv” = Fusarium graminearum: “Cg” = Colletotrichum graminicola

Example 4: Identification of Domains Comprised within Identified Genes

A polypeptide domain refers to a set of conserved amino acids located at specific positions along an alignment of sequences of evolutionarily related proteins. While amino acids at other positions can vary between homologues, amino acids that are highly conserved, and particularly amino acids that are highly conserved at specific positions indicate amino acids that are likely essential in the structure, stability or function of a protein. Identified by their high degree of conservation in aligned sequences of a family of protein homologues, they can be used as identifiers to determine if any polypeptide in question belongs to a previously identified polypeptide family.

The Integrated Resource of Protein Families, Domains and Sites (InterPro) database is an integrated interface for the commonly used signature databases for text- and sequence-based searches. The InterPro database combines these databases, which use different methodologies and varying degrees of biological information about well-characterized proteins to derive protein signatures. Collaborating databases include SWISS-PROT, PROSITE, TrEMBL, PRINTS, ProDom and Pfam, Smart and TIGRFAMs. Pfam is a large collection of multiple sequence alignments and hidden Markov models covering many common protein domains and families. Pfam is hosted at the Sanger Institute server in the United Kingdom.

Interpro is hosted at the European Bioinformatics Institute in the United Kingdom. InterProScan is the software package that allows sequences (protein and nucleic) to be scanned against InterPro's signatures. Signatures are predictive models, provided by several different databases that make up the InterPro consortium.

InterProScan 5.11-51.0 was used to analyze the polypeptides of the present invention (core and homologues/orthologs) for common domains (Mitchell A et al., 2015. Nucleic Acids Research 43(Database issue):D213-221; doi: 10.1093/nar/gku1243). Briefly, InterProScan is based on scanning methods native to the InterPro member databases. It is distributed with pre-configured method cut-offs recommended by the member database experts and which are believed to report relevant matches. All cut-offs are defined in configuration files of the InterProScan programs. Matches obtained with the fixed cut-off are subject to the following filtering:

Pfam filtering: Each Pfam family is represented by two hidden Markov models (HMMs)—ls and fs (full-length and fragment). An HMM model has bit score cut-offs (for each domain match and the total model match) and these are defined in the Gathering threshold (GA) lines of the Pfam database. Initial results are obtained with quite a high common cut-off and then the matches of the signature with a lower score than the family specific cut-offs are dropped.

If both the fs and ls model for a particular Pfam hits the same region of a sequence, the AM field in the Pfam database is used to determine which model should be chosen—globalfirst (LS); localfirst (FS) or byscore (whichever has the highest e-value).

Another type of filtering has been implemented since release 4.1. It is based on Clan filtering and nested domains. Further information on Clan filtering can be found in the Pfam website (http://www.sanger.ac.uk/Pfam) for more information on Clan filtering.

TIGRFAMs filtering: Each TIGRFAM HMM model has its own cut-off scores for each domain match and the total model match. These bit score cut-offs are defined in the “trusted cut-offs” (TC) lines of the database. Initial results are obtained with quite a high common cut-off and then the matches (of the signature or some of its domains) with a lower score compared to the family specific cut-offs are dropped.

PRINTS filtering: All matches with p-value more than a pre-set minimum value for the signature, are dropped.

SMART filtering: The publicly distributed version of InterProScan has a common e-value cut-off corresponding to the reference database size. A more sophisticated scoring model is used on the SMART web server and in the production of pre-calculated InterPro match data.

Exact scoring thresholds for domain assignments are proprietary data. The InterProMatches data production procedure uses these additional smart.thresholds data. It is to be noted that the given cut-offs are e-values (i.e. the number of expected random hits) and therefore are valid only in the context of reference database size and smart.desc data files to filter out results obtained with higher cut-off.

It implements the following logic: If the whole sequence E-value of a found match is worse than the ‘cut_low’, the match is dropped. If the domain E-value of a found match is worse than the ‘repeat’ cut-off (where defined) the match is dropped. If a signature is a repeat, the number of significant matches of that signature to a sequence must be greater than the value of ‘repeats’ in order for all matches to be accepted as true (T).

If the signature is part of a family (‘family_cut’ is defined), if the domain E-value is worse than the domain cut off (‘cutoff’), the match is dropped. If the signature has “siblings” (because it has a family_cut defined), and they overlap, the preferred sibling is chosen as the true match according to information in the overlaps file.

PROSITE patterns CONFIRMation: ScanRegExp is able to verify PROSITE matches using corresponding statistically-significant CONFIRM patterns. The default status of the PROSITE matches is unknown (?) and the true positive (T) status is assigned if the corresponding CONFIRM patterns match as well. The CONFIRM patterns were generated based on the true positive SWISS-PROT PROSITE matches using eMOTIF software with a stringency of 10e-9 P-value.

PANTHER filtering: Panther has pre- and post-processing steps. The pre-processing step is intended to speed up the HMM-based searching of the sequence and involves blasting the HMM sequences with the query protein sequence in order to find the most similar models above a given e-value. The resulting HMM hits are then used in the HMM-based search.

Panther consists of families and sub-families. When a sequence is found to match a family in the blast run, the sub-families are also scored using HMMER tool (that is, unless there is only 1 sub-family, in which case, the family alone is scored against).

Any matches that score below the e-value cut-off are discarded. Any remaining matches are searched to find the HMM with the best score and e-value and the best hit is then reported (including any sub-family hit).

GENE3D filtering: Gene3D also employs post-processing of results by using a program called DomainFinder. This program takes the output from searching the Gene3D HMMs against the query sequence and extracts all hits that are more than 10 residues long and have an e-value better than 0.001. If hits overlap at all, the match with the better e-value is chosen.

The polypeptides of the invention the expression of which confers and/or enhances the resistance of a plant to at least one fungal pathogen can be characterized by specific amino acid domains. According to certain embodiments, particular domains are conserved within a family of polypeptides as described in Table 11 hereinbelow. Without wishing to be bound by specific theory or mechanism of action, the conserved domain may indicate common functionally of the polypeptides comprising same. The domains are presented by an identifier (number). Table 12 provides the details of each domain.

TABLE 11 Core and homologous polypeptides comprising the same domains Core Homologous Polypeptides Polypeptide Characteristic Domains Comprising the Domains (SEQ ID NO) (Domain identifier) (SEQ ID NOs) 571 1; 5; 2; 5; 4; 5; 2; 2; 2; 5; 2; 5; 655; 656; 657; 658 2; 3; 5; 2; 5; 2; 2 572 6; 6; 6; 6 659; 660; 661; 662; 663 573  7 664; 665; 666 574 8; 8; 9 667; 668; 669; 670 575 576 577 10; 10; 10; 11; 11; 11; 10; 11; 10; 674; 675; 676; 677; 678; 679; 680 11; 10; 12; 10; 11 578 13 681; 682; 683; 684; 685; 686; 687; 688 579 14; 14; 15 689; 690; 691; 692; 693 580 16 694; 944; 945; 946; 947 581 582 17; 17; 17 583 20; 18; 19 695; 696; 697; 698; 699 584 8; 8; 9 585 8; 8; 9 586 21 587 22; 22 588 23; 24; 24; 24; 24 700; 701; 702; 703 589 27; 27; 26; 29; 30; 27; 25; 30 704; 705; 706; 707 590 35; 32; 33; 33; 32; 31; 33; 36; 34; 708; 709; 710; 711; 712; 713; 714; 32; 33; 32; 31; 36 715; 716; 717; 718; 719; 720; 721; 722; 723; 724; 725; 726; 727 591 37; 37; 38; 38; 38; 38; 38; 38 592 593 21 728 594 40; 40; 41 729; 730 595 7; 7 731; 732 596 43; 43; 42; 43; 43; 43; 43 597 47; 37; 37; 47; 44; 45; 46; 45 733; 734; 735; 736 598 49; 50; 50; 50; 49; 48; 49; 48; 49; 737; 738; 739 49; 49; 48 599 51; 52; 52; 52; 53; 53; 53; 54 740; 741; 742 600 5; 1; 2; 5; 4; 5; 2; 2; 2; 5; 2; 5; 2; 743; 744; 745; 746; 747; 748; 749; 3; 5; 2; 5; 2; 2 750; 751; 752; 753; 754 601 59; 61; 61; 57; 62; 55; 58; 60; 64; 755; 756; 757; 758; 759; 760; 761; 58; 60; 62; 62; 55; 62; 62; 63 762; 763; 764; 765; 766; 767; 768; 769; 770; 771; 772; 773; 774; 775; 776; 777; 778; 779; 780; 781 602 603 65; 65; 65 790; 791; 792; 793; 794 604 45; 45; 66 795; 796; 797 605 10; 10; 10; 11; 11; 11; 11; 10; 11; 798; 799; 800; 801; 802; 803 11; 10; 11; 11; 10; 12; 11 606 6; 6; 6; 6 804; 805; 806; 807; 808 607 67 809 608 69; 70; 60; 60; 68; 70; 60 810; 811; 812; 813; 814; 815; 816; 817; 818; 819; 820 609 72; 71 610 73 611 7; 7 821; 822; 823; 824; 825; 826; 827; 828; 829; 830 612 74; 74; 74; 33; 32; 33; 32; 31; 75; 831; 832; 833; 834; 835; 836; 837; 74; 74; 74; 33; 32; 33; 32; 31; 75 838; 839 613 33; 33; 76 840; 841 614 40; 40; 77 842; 843 615 23; 24; 24; 24; 24 700; 701; 702; 703; 844; 845; 846; 847; 848 616 7; 7 849 617 78 850 618 619 74; 74; 74; 32; 33; 33; 32; 31; 75 852 74; 74; 74; 33; 32; 33; 32; 31 620 42; 43; 43; 43; 43; 43 853 621 79 854; 855; 856; 857; 858; 859 622 7; 7 860; 861; 862; 863 623 624 625 49; 50; 50; 50; 49; 48; 49; 48; 49; 866; 867; 868; 869 49; 49; 48 626 627 80 627; 880; 881; 882; 883; 884 628 40; 40; 77 885; 886; 887 629 81 888 630 10; 10; 10; 11; 11; 10; 11; 11; 10; 889 11; 11; 10; 12; 10; 11 631 632 82 894 633 7; 7 895; 896; 897; 898; 899; 900; 901; 902; 903; 904; 905; 906; 907; 908 634 635 636 84; 83; 84; 83; 84; 84; 84 910; 911; 912; 913; 914; 915; 916; 917; 918 639 8; 8; 9 919; 920; 921 643 644 10; 10; 10; 11; 11; 11; 11; 10; 11; 923 11; 10; 11; 11; 10; 12; 11 647 7; 7 924; 925; 926; 927; 928; 929 649 651 81 930 653 82 931; 932; 933 654 940 52; 52; 52; 52; 52 948; 949; 950; 969; 970 941 88; 89; 89; 89; 85; 85; 86; 86; 87 971; 972 942 52; 52; 52; 52; 52; 52; 52; 52 936; 937 943 52; 52; 52; 52; 52; 52; 52; 52 938; 939 965 20; 18; 18; 90; 92 951; 952; 953; 954; 973 966 967 93; 93; 93 955; 956; 957; 958; 959; 960; 961; 962; 963; 964; 975; 976; 977

TABLE 12 Details of Identified Domains Domain InterPro Accession Identifier No. No. Description 1 IPR010255 SSF48113 Haem peroxidase 2 IPR000823 PR00461 Plant peroxidase signature Plant peroxidase 3 IPR019793 PS00435 Peroxidases proximal heme-ligand signature. Peroxidases heam-ligand binding site 4 IPR019794 PS00436 Peroxidases active site signature. Peroxidase, active site 5 IPR002016 PR00458 Haem peroxidase superfamily signature Haem peroxidase, plant/fungal/bacterial 6 IPR002902 PS51473 Gnk2-homologous domain profile. Gnk2- homologous domain 7 IPR002213 PS00375 UDP-glycosyltransferases signature. UDP- glucuronosyl/UDP-glucosyltransferase 8 IPR010399 PF06200 tify domain Tify domain 9 IPR018467 PF09425 Divergent CCT motif CO/COL/TOC1, conserved site 10 IPR001128 PR00385 P450 superfamily signature Cytochrome P450 11 IPR002401 PR00463 E-class P450 group I signature Cytochrome P450, E-class, group I 12 IPR017972 PS00086 Cytochrome P450 cysteine heme-iron ligand signature. Cytochrome P450, conserved site 13 IPR006904 PF04819 Family of unknown function (DUF716) Protein of unknown function DUF716 (TMEM45) 14 IPR020846 PS50850 Major facilitator superfamily (MFS) profile. Major facilitator superfamily domain 15 IPR011701 PF07690 Major Facilitator Superfamily Major facilitator superfamily 16 IPR022251 PF12609 Wound-induced protein Protein of unknown function wound-induced 17 IPR018392 SM00257 LysM domain 18 IPR000719 PS50011 Protein kinase domain profile. Protein kinase domain 19 IPR001245 PF07714 Protein tyrosine kinase Serine-threonine/tyrosine- protein kinase catalytic domain 20 IPR011009 SSF56112 Protein kinase-like domain 21 IPR008889 PF05678 VQ motif VQ 22 IPR006598 SM00672 Lipopolysaccharide-modifying protein 23 IPR002938 PF01494 FAD binding domain FAD-binding domain 24 IPR023753 G3DSA:3.50.50.60 FAD/NAD(P)-binding domain 25 IPR032799 PF14541 Xylanase inhibitor C-terminal Xylanase inhibitor, C- terminal 26 IPR033121 PS51767 Peptidase family A1 domain profile. Peptidase family A1 domain 27 IPR021109 G3DSA:2.40.70.10 Aspartic peptidase domain 28 IPR001461 PR00792 Pepsin (A1) aspartic protease family signature Aspartic peptidase A1 family 29 IPR032861 PF14543 Xylanase inhibitor N-terminal Xylanase inhibitor, N- terminal 30 IPR001969 PS00141 Eukaryotic and viral aspartyl proteases active site. Aspartic peptidase, active site 31 IPR003593 SM00382 AAA+ ATPase domain 32 IPR003439 PS50893 ATP-binding cassette, ABC transporter-type domain profile. ABC transporter-like 33 IPR027417 SSF52540 P-loop containing nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase 34 IPR013581 PF08370 Plant PDR ABC transporter associated Plant PDR ABC transporter associated 35 IPR029481 PF14510 ABC-transporter extracellular N-terminal ABC- transporter extracellular N-terminal domain 36 IPR013525 PF01061 ABC-2 type transporter ABC-2 type transporter 37 IPR011991 SSF46785 Winged helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain 38 IPR000232 PR00056 Heat shock factor (HSF) domain signature Heat shock factor (HSF)-type, DNA-binding 39 IPR033140 PS01174 Lipolytic enzymes “G-D-X-G” family, putative serine active site. Lipase, GDXG, putative serine active site 40 IPR029058 G3DSA:3.40.50.1820 Alpha/Beta hydrolase fold 41 IPR013094 PF07859 alpha/beta hydrolase fold Alpha/beta hydrolase fold- 3 42 IPR016177 SSF54171 DNA-binding domain 43 IPR001471 PF00847 AP2 domain AP2/ERF domain 44 IPR012967 PF08100 Dimerisation domain Plant methyltransferase dimerisation 45 IPR029063 SSF53335 S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase 46 IPR001077 PF00891 O-methyltransferase O-methyltransferase, family 2 47 IPR016461 PIRSF005739 O-methyltransferase COMT-type 48 IPR018170 PS00798 Aldo/keto reductase family signature 1. Aldo/keto reductase, conserved site 49 IPR020471 PIRSF000097 Aldo/keto reductase 50 IPR023210 SSF51430 NADP-dependent oxidoreductase domain 51 IPR011402 PIRSF036470 Phospholipase D, plant 52 IPR000008 SM00239 C2 domain 53 IPR001736 PS50035 Phospholipase D phosphodiesterase active site profile. Phospholipase D/Transphosphatidylase 54 IPR024632 PF12357 Phospholipase D C terminal Phospholipase D, C- terminal 55 IPR023298 G3DSA:1.20.1110.10 P-type ATPase, transmembrane domain 56 IPR024750 PF12515 Ca2+-ATPase N terminal autoinhibitory domain Calcium-transporting P-type ATPase, N-terminal autoinhibitory domain 57 IPR008250 PF00122 E1-E2 ATPase P-type ATPase, A domain 58 IPR023299 G3DSA:3.40.1110.10 P-type ATPase, cytoplasmic domain N 59 IPR006408 TIGR01517 ATPase-IIB_Ca: calcium-translocating P-type ATPase, PMCA-type P-type ATPase, subfamily IIB 60 IPR023214 G3DSA:3.40.50.1000 HAD-like domain 61 IPR004014 PF00690 Cation transporter/ATPase, N-terminus Cation- transporting P-type ATPase, N-terminal 62 IPR001757 TIGR01494 ATPase_P-type: HAD ATPase, P-type, family IC P- type ATPase 63 IPR006068 PF00689 Cation transporting ATPase, C-terminus Cation- transporting P-type ATPase. C-terminal 64 IPR018303 PS00154 E1-E2 ATPases phosphorylation site. P-type ATPase, phosphorylation site 65 IPR002528 PF01554 MatE Multi antimicrobial extrusion protein 66 IPR013216 PF08241 Methyltransferase domain Methyltransferase type 11 67 IPR003465 PF02428 Potato type II proteinase inhibitor family Proteinase inhibitor I20 68 IPR006379 TIGR01484 HAD-SF-IIB: HAD hydrolase, family IIB HAD- superfamily hydrolase, subfamily IIB 69 IPR001830 PF00982 Glycosyltransferase family 20 Glycosyl transferase, family 20 70 IPR003337 PF02358 Trehalose-phosphatase Trehalose-phosphatase 71 IPR000270 PS51745 PB1 domain profile. PB1 domain 72 IPR033389 PF02309 AUX/IAA family AUX/IAA domain 73 IPR008480 PF05553 Cotton fibre expressed protein Protein of unknown function DUF761, plant 74 IPR011527 PS50929 ABC transporter integral membrane type-1 fused domain profile. ABC transporter type 1, transmembrane domain 75 IPR017871 PS00211 ABC transporters family signature. ABC transporter, conserved site 76 IPR000863 PF00685 Sulfotransferase domain Sulfotransferase domain 77 IPR000073 PF12697 Alpha/beta hydrolase family Alpha/beta hydrolase fold-1 78 IPR004326 PF03094 Mlo family Mlo-related protein 79 IPR003496 PF02496 ABA/WDS induced protein ABA/WDS induced protein 80 IPR004265 PF03018 Dirigent-like protein Plant disease resistance response protein 81 IPR025322 PF14009 Domain of unknown function (DUF4228) Protein of unknown function DUF4228, plant 82 IPR004864 PF03168 Late embryogenesis abundant protein Late embryogenesis abundant protein, LEA-14 83 IPR023395 G3DSA:1.50.40.10 Mitochondrial carrier domain 84 IPR018108 PS50920 Solute carrier (Solcar) repeat profile. Mitochondrial substrate/solute carrier 85 IPR019956 PR00348 Ubiquitin signature Ubiquitin 86 IPR001975 PF01020 Ribosomal L40e family Ribosomal protein L40e 87 IPR011332 SSF57829 Zinc-binding ribosomal protein 88 IPR029071 SSF54236 Ubiquitin-related domain 89 IPR000626 SM00213 Ubiquitin domain 90 IPR017441 PS00107 Protein kinases ATP-binding region signature. Protein kinase, ATP binding site 91 IPR013320 G3DSA:2.60.120.200 Concanavalin A-like lectin/glucanase domain 92 IPR008271 PS00108 Serine/Threonine protein kinases active-site signature. Serine/threonine-protein kinase, active site 93 IPR003441 PF02365 No apical meristem (NAM) protein NAC domain

Example 5: Gene Cloning and Generation of Binary Vectors for Expression in Plants

To validate the role of genes identified hereinabove in increasing resistance to fungal infection selected genes were over-expressed in plants, as follows.

Cloning Strategy

Selected genes from those presented in Examples 1-4 hereinabove were cloned into binary vectors for the generation of transgenic plants. For cloning, the full-length open reading frames (ORFs) were identified. EST clusters and in some cases mRNA sequences were analyzed to identify the entire open reading frame by comparing the results of several translation algorithms to known proteins from other plant species.

In order to clone the full-length cDNAs, reverse transcription (RT) followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR; RT-PCR) was performed on total RNA extracted from roots or shoots challenged by the relevant pathogen. Total RNA extraction, production of cDNA and PCR amplification was performed using standard protocols described elsewhere (Sambrook J., E. F. Fritsch, and T. Maniatis. 1989. Molecular Cloning. A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York) which are well known to those skilled in the art. PCR products were purified using PCR purification kit (Qiagen).

Typically, 2 sets of primers were prepared for the amplification of each gene, via nested PCR (if required). Both sets of primers were used for amplification on a cDNA. In case no product was obtained, a nested PCR reaction was performed. Nested PCR was performed by amplification of the gene using external primers and then using the produced PCR product as a template for a second PCR reaction, where the internal set of primers was used. Alternatively, one or two of the internal primers were used for gene amplification, both in the first and the second PCR reactions (meaning only 2-3 primers are designed for a gene). To facilitate further cloning of the cDNAs, an 8-12 base pairs (bp) extension was added to the 5′ of each internal primer. The primer extension includes an endonuclease restriction site. The restriction sites were selected using two parameters: (a) the restriction site does not exist in the cDNA sequence; and (b) the restriction sites in the forward and reverse primers were designed such that the digested cDNA was inserted in the sense direction into the binary vector utilized for transformation.

PCR products were digested with the restriction endonucleases (New England BioLabs Inc.) according to the sites designed in the primers. Each digested/undigested PCR product was inserted into a high copy vector pUC19 (New England BioLabs Inc.), or into plasmids originating from this vector. In some cases the undigested PCR product was inserted into pCR-Blunt II-TOPO (Invitrogen) or into pJET1.2 (CloneJET PCR Cloning Kit, Thermo Scientific) or directly into the binary vector. The digested/undigested products and the linearized plasmid vector were ligated using T4 DNA ligase enzyme (Roche, Switzerland or other manufacturers). In cases where pCR-Blunt II-TOPO is used no T4 ligase was needed.

Sequencing of the inserted genes was performed using the ABI 377 sequencer (Applied Biosystems). In some cases, after confirming the sequences of the cloned genes, the cloned cDNA was introduced into a modified pGI binary vector containing the At6669 promoter (SEQ ID NO:25), such as the pQFNc or pQsFN vectors, and the NOS terminator (SEQ ID NO:36) via digestion with appropriate restriction endonucleases.

Several DNA sequences of the selected genes were synthesized by GenScript (GenScript, Piscataway, N.J., USA). Synthetic DNA was designed in silico. Suitable restriction enzyme sites were added to the cloned sequences at the 5′ end and at the 3′ end to enable later cloning into the desired binary vector.

Binary vectors—The pPI plasmid vector was constructed by inserting a synthetic poly-(A) signal sequence, originating from pGL3 basic plasmid vector (Promega, GenBank Accession No. U47295; nucleotides 4658-4811) into the HindIII restriction site of the binary vector pBI101.3 (Clontech, GenBank Accession No. U12640). pGI is similar to pPI, but the original gene in the backbone is GUS-Intron and not GUS.

The modified pGI vector (e.g., pQFN, pQFNc, pQFNd, pQYN_6669, pQNa_RP, pQFYN, pQXNc, pQ6sVN (FIG. 2) or pQsFN (FIG. 3) is a modified version of the pGI vector in which the cassette is inverted between the left and right borders so the gene and its corresponding promoter are close to the right border and the NPTII gene is close to the left border.

In case of Brachypodium transformation, after confirming the sequences of the cloned genes, the cloned cDNAs were introduced into pQ6sVN (FIG. 2) containing 35S promoter (SEQ ID NO:35) and the NOS terminator (SEQ ID NO:36) via digestion with appropriate restriction endonucleases. The genes were cloned downstream to the 35S promoter and upstream to the NOS terminator. In the pQ6sVN vector the Hygromycin resistance gene cassette and the Bar_GA resistance gene cassette replaced the NPTII resistance gene cassette. pQ6sVN contains the 35S promoter (SEQ ID NO: 37). Bar_GA resistance gene (SEQ ID NO: 39) is an optimized sequence of the BAR gene for expression in Brachypodium plants (ordered from GenScript™).

Additionally or alternatively, Brachypodium transformation was performed using the pEBbVNi vector. pEBbVNi (FIG. 1A) is a modified version of pJJ2LB in which the Hygromycin resistance gene was replaced with the BAR gene which confers resistance to the BASTA herbicide [BAR gene coding sequence is provided in GenBank Accession No. JQ293091.1 (SEQ ID NO:38); further description is provided in Akama K, et al. “Efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana using the bar gene as selectable marker”, Plant Cell Rep. 1995, 14(7):450-4; Christiansen P, et al. “A rapid and efficient transformation protocol for the grass Brachypodium distachyon”, Plant Cell Rep. 2005 March; 23(10-11):751-8. Epub 2004 Oct. 19; and P{hacek over (a)}curar D I, et al. “A high-throughput Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for the grass model species Brachypodium distachyon L”, Transgenic Res. 2008 17(5):965-75; each of which is fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The pEBbVNi construct contains the 35S promoter (SEQ ID NO:37). pJJ2LB is a modified version of pCambia0305.2 (Cambia).

In case genomic DNA was cloned, the genes were amplified by direct PCR on genomic DNA extracted from leaf tissue using the DNAeasy kit (Qiagen Cat. No. 69104).

Table 13 hereinbelow provides a list of the gene cloned, including gene name, the plasmid used, the organism from which the gene is derived, the SEQ ID NO. of the primer used and the SEQ ID NO. of the gene polynucleotide and encoded polypeptide.

TABLE 13 Cloned genes Primers used Polyn. Polypep. Gene Name High copy plasmid Organism (SEQ ID NOs) (SEQ ID NO) (SEQ ID NO) LAB511 pUC19c_LAB511 Zea mays 566 968 LFS10 pMA-RQ_LFS10_GA Hordeum vulgare 1030 128 578 LFS11 pQ6sVN_LFS11 Zea mays 1104, 1000, 1104, 995 129 637 LFS13 pQ6sVN_LFS13 Zea mays 1059, 1094, 1019 130 580 LFS14 pMA-RQ_LFS14_GA Zea mays 1026 131 581 LFS15 pQ6sVN_LFS15 Zea mays 1082, 1029, 1082, 1026 132 582 LFS16 pQ6sVN_LFS16 Zea mays 1047, 1055, 1047, 1029 133 583 LFS17 pQ6sVN_LFS17 Zea mays 1046, 1028, 1050, 1087 134 638 LFS18 pQ6sVN_LFS18 Zea mays 1115, 1093, 1022 135 639 LFS19 pQ6sVN_LFS19_GA Zea mays 136 586 LFS2 pMA-RQ_LFS2_GA Hordeum vulgare 1038 121 571 LFS21 pQ6sVN_LFS21 Zea mays 1001, 979, 986, 1036 137 587 LFS22 TopoB_LFS22 Zea mays 1098, 1033, 1062, 1004 533 940 LFS24 pQ6sVN_LFS24 Zea mays 1071, 1092, 1042 138 589 LFS25 pUC57_LFS25_GA Zea mays 1012 139 590 LFS26 pQ6sVN_LFS26 Zea mays 1072, 1013, 1072, 1012 140 640 LFS27 pQ6sVN_LFS27 Zea mays 1090, 988, 1090, 1013 141 641 LFS28 pQ6sVN_LFS28 Zea mays 1063, 1063, 989 534 966 LFS29 pQ6sVN_LFS29_GA Zea mays 142 593 LFS3 pMA-RQ_LFS3_GA Hordeum vulgare 1024 122 572 LFS30 pUCsVN_LFS30 Zea mays 1113, 1040, 1113, 997 143 642 LFS31 pQ6sVN_LFS31 Zea mays 987, 987, 1040 144 595 LFS32 pUC57_LFS32_GA Zea mays  994 145 596 LFS33 pQ6sVN_LFS33 Zea mays 1080, 1014, 1080, 994 146 597 LFS34 pQ6sVN_LFS34 Zea mays 1095, 1088, 1031 147 598 LFS35 pUC57_LFS35_GA Zea mays 148 599 LFS36 pMA-RQ_LFS36_GA Zea mays 1101 149 600 LFS37 pQ6sVN_LFS37 Zea mays 1127, 1123, 1127, 1081 150 601 LFS38 pQ6sVN_LFS38 Zea mays 1091, 993, 1109, 1121 151 643 LFS39 pQ6sVN_LFS39 Zea mays 1048, 1045, 1032 152 603 LFS4 pMA-RQ_LFS4_GA Hordeum vulgare 123 573 LFS40 pUC57_LFS40_GA Zea mays  981 535 941 LFS42 TopoB_LFS42 Zea mays 1110, 982, 1110, 981 153 604 LFS43 TopoB_LFS43 Zea mays 1060, 1125, 1060, 982 154 644 LFS44 TopoB_LFS44 Zea mays 1076, 1010, 1076, 1120 155 606 LFS45 TopoB_LFS45 Sorghum bicolor 1056, 1117, 1067, 1011 156 607 LFS46 TopoB_LFS46 Sorghum bicolor 1118, 984, 1122, 1126 157 608 LFS47 TopoB_LFS47 Sorghum bicolor 1112, 1041, 1112, 1015 158 645 LFS48 TopoB_LFS48 Sorghum bicolor 1129, 990, 1128, 1035 536 943 LFS49 pQ6sVN_LFS49 Sorghum bicolor 1061, 1021, 1061, 990 159 610 LFS50 pQ6sVN_LFS50 Sorghum bicolor 1053, 998, 1077, 1009 160 611 LFS52 pQ6sVN_LFS52 Sorghum bicolor 1068, 1039, 1099, 983 161 646 LFS53 pQ6sVN_LFS53 Sorghum bicolor 1058, 1016, 1069, 1037 162 614 LFS54 pQ6sVN_LFS54 Sorghum bicolor 1054, 1018, 1070, 1006 163 615 LFS55 pQ6sVN_LFS55 Sorghum bicolor 1116, 1083, 1102, 980 164 647 LFS57 pQ6sVN_LFS57 Sorghum bicolor 1049, 1020, 1044, 1065 165 617 LFS58 pQ6sVN_LFS58 Sorghum bicolor 1106, 1051, 1106, 1020 166 618 LFS59 TopoB_LFS59 Sorghum bicolor 1052, 1052, 1051 167 619 LFS6 pMA-RQ_LFS6_GA Hordeum vulgare 124 574 LFS60 pUC57_LFS60_GA Sorghum bicolor 168 620 LFS61 pUC57_LFS61_GA Sorghum bicolor 1043 169 621 LFS62 TopoB_LFS62 Sorghum bicolor 1073, 991, 1073, 1043 170 648 LFS65 pQ6sVN_LFS65 Sorghum bicolor 1066, 1119, 1079, 1008 171 623 LFS66 TopoB_LFS66 Sorghum bicolor 1097, 1097, 1124 172 624 LFS67 pUC57_LFS67_GA Triticum aestivum  978 173 625 LFS68 pQ6sVN_LFS68 Triticum aestivum 1057, 1114, 992 174 649 LFS7 pMA-T_LFS7_GA Hordeum vulgare 1023 125 575 LFS70 pQ6sVN_LFS70 Triticum aestivum 1084, 1084, 1023 175 650 LFS71 pQ6sVN_LFS71_GA Triticum aestivum  985 176 628 LFS72 TopoB_LFS72 Triticum aestivum 1111, 1075, 1111, 985 177 651 LFS73 TopoB_LFS73 Triticum aestivum 1074, 1005, 1096, 1108 178 652 LFS74 TopoB_LFS74 Triticum aestivum 1103, 1034, 1105, 1025 179 631 LFS75 pQ6sVN_LFS75 Triticum aestivum 996, 999, 996, 1034 180 653 LFS76 pQ6sVN_LFS76 Triticum aestivum 1089, 1017, 1078, 1003 181 633 LFS77 pQ6sVN_LFS77 Triticum aestivum 1085, 1007, 1100, 1002 182 634 LFS78 pQ6sVN_LFS78 Triticum aestivum 1107, 1086, 1007 183 654 LFS79 pMA-RQ_LFS79_GA Hordeum vulgare 537 967 LFS8 pMA-RQ_LFS8_GA Hordeum vulgare 1027 126 576 LFS80 TopoB_LFS80 Zea mays 1064, 1064, 1027 184 636 LFS9 pMA-RQ_LFS9_GA Hordeum vulgare 127 577 “GA”—GenScript (synthetically prepared gene sequence); Polyn. = polynucleotide; Polypep. = polypeptide

Example 6: Transformation of Brachypodium Distachyon Plants with the Polynucleotides of the Invention

Similar to the Arabidopsis model plant, Brachypodium distachyon has several features that recommend it as a model plant for functional genomic studies, especially in the grasses. Traits that make it an ideal model include its small genome (˜160 Mbp for a diploid genome and 355 Mbp for a polyploidy genome), small physical stature, a short lifecycle, and few growth requirements. Brachypodium is related to the major cereal grain species but is understood to be more closely related to the Triticeae (wheat, barley) than to the other cereals. Brachypodium, with its polyploidy accessions, can serve as an ideal to model for these grains (whose genomics size and complexity is a major barrier to biotechnological improvement).

Brachypodium distachyon embryogenic calli are transformed using the procedure described by Vogel and Hill (2008. High-efficiency Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Brachypodium distachyon inbred line Bd21-3. Plant Cell Rep 27:471-478); Vain et al (2008. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of the temperate grass Brachypodium distachyon (genotype Bd21) for T-DNA insertional mutagenesis. Plant Biotechnology J 6: 236-245), and Vogel J, et al. (2006. Agrobacterium mediated transformation and inbred line development in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon. Plant Cell Tiss Org. Cult. 85:199-211), each of which is fully incorporated herein by reference, with some minor modifications, which are briefly summarized herein below.

Callus initiation—Immature spikes (about 2 months after seeding) are harvested at the very beginning of seeds filling. Spikes are then husked and surface sterilized with 3% NaClO containing 0.1% Tween 20, shaken on a gyratory shaker at low speed for 20 minutes. Following three rinses with sterile distilled water, embryos are excised under a dissecting microscope in a laminar flow hood using fine forceps.

Excised embryos (size ˜0.3 mm, bell shaped) are placed on callus induction medium (CIM) [LS salts (Linsmaier, E. M. & Skoog, F. 1965. Physiol. Plantarum 18, 100) and vitamins plus 3% sucrose, 6 mg/L CuSO₄, 2.5 mg/l 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid, pH 5.8 and 0.25% phytagel (Sigma)] scutellar side down, 50 or 100 embryos on a plate, and incubated at 28° C. in the dark. One week later, the embryonic calli is cleaned from emerging shoots and somatic calli, and subcultured onto fresh CIM medium. During culture, yellowish embryogenic calli (EC) appear and are further selected (e.g., picked and transferred) for further incubation in the same conditions for additional 2 weeks. Twenty-five pieces of sub-cultured calli are then separately placed on 90×15 mm petri plates, and incubated as before for three additional weeks.

Transformation—As described in Vogel and Hill (2008, Supra), Agrobacterium is scraped off 2-day-old MGL plates (plates with the MGL medium which contains: Tryptone 5 gr/L, Yeast Extract 2.5 gr/L, NaCl 5 gr/L, D-Mannitol 5 g/1, MgSO₄*7H₂O 0.204 gr/L, K₂HPO₄ 0.25 gr/L, Glutamic Acid 1.2 gr/L, Plant Agar 7.5 gr/L) and resuspended in liquid MS medium supplemented with 200 μM acetosyringone to an optic density (OD) at 600 nm (OD₆₀₀) of 0.6 to 1.0. Once the desired OD was attained, 1 ml of 10% Synperonic PE/F68 (Sigma) per 100 ml of inoculation medium is added.

To begin inoculation, 300 callus pieces are placed in approximately 12 plates (25 callus pieces in each plate) and covered with the Agrobacterium suspension (8-10 ml). The callus is incubated in the Agrobacterium suspension for 5 to 20 minutes. After incubation, the Agrobacterium suspension is aspirated off and the calli are then transferred into co-cultivation plates, prepared by placing a sterile 7-cm diameter filter paper in an empty 90×15 mm petri plate. The calli pieces are then gently distributed on the filter paper. One co-cultivation plate is used for two starting callus plates (50 initial calli pieces). The co-cultivation plates are then sealed with Parafilm M® or a plastic wrap [e.g., saran wrap (Dow Chemical Company)] and incubated at 24° C. in the dark for 3 days.

The callus pieces are then individually transferred into CIM medium as described above, which is further supplemented with 200 mg/L Ticarcillin (to kill the Agrobacterium) and Bialaphos (5 mg/L) or Hygromycin B (40 mg/L) (for selection of the transformed resistant embryogenic calli sections), and incubated at 28° C. in the dark for 14 days.

The calli pieces are then transferred to shoot induction media (SIM; LS salts and vitamins plus 3% Maltose monohydrate) supplemented with 400 mg/L Ticarcillin, Bialaphos (5 mg/L) or Hygromycin B (40 mg/L), Indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) (0.25 mg/L), and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) (1 mg/L), and are cultivated in conditions as described below. After 10-15 days calli are sub-cultured on the same fresh media for additional 10-15 days (total of 20-30 days). At each sub-culture all the pieces from a single callus are kept together to maintain their independence and are incubated under the following conditions: light to a level of 60 lE m⁻² s⁻¹, a 16-hours light, 8-hours dark photoperiod and a constant 24° C. temperature. During the period of 20 to 30 days from the beginning of cultivation of calli on shoot induction media (SIM) plantlets start to emerge from the transformed calli.

When plantlets are large enough to handle without damage, they are transferred to plates containing the above mentioned shoot induction media (SIM) with Bialaphos or Hygromycin B. Each plantlet is considered as a different event. After two weeks of growth, the plantlets are transferred to 2-cm height Petri plates (De Groot, Catalog No. 60-664160) containing MSnoH media (MS salts 4.4 gr/L, sucrose 30 gr/L, supplemented with Hygromycine B (40 mg/L) and Ticarcillin (400 mg/L). Roots usually appear within 2 weeks. Rooted and non-rooted plants are transferred to a fresh MSnoH media supplemented with Hygromycin B and Ticarcillin as described above. In case roots do not appear in the non-rooted plants after two weeks on the MSnoH media (which is supplemented with Hygromycin B and Ticarcillin), then the non-rooted plants are further transferred to the rooting induction medium [RIM; MS salts and vitamins 4.4 gr/L, sucrose 30 gr/L with Ticarcillin 400 mg/L, Indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) (1 mg/L), and α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (2 mg/L)]. After additional two weeks of incubation at 24° C., the plantlets are transferred to 0.5 modified RIM medium [MS modified salts 4.4 gr/L, MS vitamins 103 mg/L, sucrose 30 gr/L with α-Tocopherol (2 mg/L), Indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) (1 mg/L), and α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (2 mg/L)] and are incubated at 28° C. for additional 15-20 days, till the roots appear.

If needed, in the tillering stage the plantlets can grow axillary tillers and eventually become bushy on the above mentioned media (SIM) without Bialaphos or Hygromycin B. Each bush from the same plant (event ID) is then divided to tissue culture boxes (“Humus”) containing “rooting medium” [MS basal salts, 3% sucrose, 3 gr/L phytagel, 2 mg/L α-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and 1 mg/L IAA and Ticarcillin 400 mg/L, PH 5.8]. All plants in a “Humus box” are individual plants of the same transformation event.

When plantlets establish roots they are transplanted to the soil and grown in the greenhouse. Before transfer to greenhouse, 20 randomly selected events are tested every month for expression of the BAR_GA gene (SEQ ID NO:39, BAR gene) which is responsible for resistance to Bialaphos, using AgraStrip® LL strip test seed check (Romer labs). Briefly, the expression of the BAR gene is determined as follows: Leaves (about 0.5 cm long leave) are grounded using a pellet pestle in an Eppendorf tube containing 150 μl of water until the water turns green in color. A strip test is then added to the Eppendorf tube and the results are read within 30-60 seconds. Appearance of two pink bands means that the plant is transgenic. On the other hand, appearance of one pink band means that the plant is not transgenic or not expressing BAR gene.

To verify the transgenic status of plants containing the gene of interest, T1 plants are subjected to PCR as previously described by Vogel et al. 2006 [Agrobacterium mediated transformation and inbred line development in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon. Plant Cell Tiss Org. Cult. 85:199-211].

Example 7: Validation Assays

The transgenic Brachypodium plants obtained as described hereinabove were used to validate the effect of the transformed gene(s) on fungal penetration and spreading within the plant by evaluation of fungal penetration and spreading within inoculated seedlings grown under controlled conditions.

Each validation assay evaluates the gene performance by quantitative and/or qualitative measure of specific traits as described in Table 14 below.

TABLE 14 Allocation of fungal parameters to specific traits # Parameters Traits 1 Fungal biomass in root Fungal presence in tissue 2 Fungal biomass in stem Fungal spreading in organ

The validation assay was performed with inoculated transgenic plants grown under controlled conditions till seedling stage (1-2 tilles).

Transgenic Brachypodium seeds were sown in trays contained sterilized vermiculite soaked with 0.1% BASTA solution for transgenic plants selection. The trays were placed in the refrigerator where they undergo cold treatment for 3 days at 4° C. (stratification step) following by trays placement in controlled growth chamber for germination up to 5 days.

The viable transgenic seedlings were inoculated with a spore solution of Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) at 10⁴ spores/ml s (Fv 149 strain, GFP-tagged and bar resistant) and then transplanted to 180 cm³ pots filled with sterilized vermiculite. The plants were grown up to 14 days in the growth chamber (temperature 26° C.±1, humidity of 50%).

Fungal extraction from each of the biological repeat (6 root or 6 stems) were plated in petri dish with 3 dilution degree and incubated for 5 days in 25° C. Plates were counting for colony forming units (CFU) using florescent binocular and data were transformed to logarithmic scale for further analysis.

Assay Type 1: Measurement of Fungal Biomass

Fungal Biomass—Log CFU of fungal root extraction 7 days after inoculation

Assay Type 2: Measurement of Fungal Biomass

Fungal Biomass—Log CFU of fungal stem extraction 14 days after inoculation

Statistical analyses—To identify genes conferring significantly improved tolerance to fungal penetration and fungal spreading, the results obtained from the transgenic plants were compared to those obtained from control plants. To identify outperforming genes and constructs, results from the independent transformation events tested were analyzed separately. Analysis was conducted on the log CFU data using Student's t-test. The JMP statistics software package was used (Version 5.2.1, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, N.C., USA).

Table 15 hereinbelow shows the reduction in CFU in the tested infected plants and its significance compared to control plants. Negative numbers indicate increase in the CFU number.

Cloned genes which conferred significant reduction in CFU in at least one transformed plant (event) in two different assays were designated as preferred candidates for conferring and/or enhancing resistance when expressed in the plants. Among these genes are LFS24; LFS49; LFS53; LFS10; LFS9; LFS18; LFS30; LFS36; LFS27; LFS50; LFS19; LFS29; LFS72; LFS8; LFS78; LFS45; LFS7; LFS40; LFS4; LFS47; LFS48; LFS73; LFS74; and LFS75. Cloned genes which enhanced susceptibility to the fungal infection (at least three transformed plants (events) affording >30% susceptibility) were designated as preferred candidates the expression of which is to be reduced (knocked down or knocked out) in order to confer and/or enhance resistance to the fungus. Among these genes are LFS25; LFS39; and LFS59.

TABLE 15 Validation results in Brachypodium plant-infected with Fv Polyn. Polyp. Polyn. Polyp. SEQ SEQ Gene SEQ SEQ ID NO: ID NO: Organ Origin Name ID NO: ID NO: (Cloned) (cloned) in Assay of Hit % Reduction logCFU (p-value) % Reduction CFU LAB511 565 965 566 968 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 7659.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.20) Event 7659.1: −21% Event 7660.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.44) Event 7660.1: 3% Event 7661.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.18) Event 7661.1: −21% Event 7663.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 7663.1: −38% Event 8702.1: −8% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8702.1: −47% Second assay: Second assay: Event 7659.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.44) Event 7659.1: −9% Event 7660.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 7660.1: 43% Event 7661.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.48) Event 7661.1: −1% Event 7663.1: 4% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 7663.1: 37% Event 8702.1: 3% (not significant, p_value = 0.16) Event 8702.1: 29% LFS11 63 579 129 637 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 9087.1: 10% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9087.1: 147% Event 9088.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.36) Event 9088.1: 11% Event 9089.1: 12% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9089.1: 188% Event 9093.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 9093.1: 54% Event 9095.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 9095.1: 62% Second assay: Second assay: Event 9087.1: −9% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9087.1: −61% Event 9088.1: −15% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9088.1: −79% Event 9089.1: −4% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 9089.1: −37% Event 9093.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9093.1: −48% Event 9095.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9095.1: −51% LFS15 66 582 132 582 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 8098.1: −6% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 8098.1: −43% Event 8089.1: −4% (not significant, p_value = 0.17) Event 8089.1: −33% Event 8101.1: −8% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8101.1: −56% Event 8095.1: 2% (not significant, p_value = 0.16) Event 8095.1: 28% Event 8100.1: −5% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 8100.1: −40% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8098.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.37) Event 8098.1: −12% Event 8089.1: −4% (not significant, p_value = 0.12) Event 8089.1: −34% Event 8101.1: 6% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 8101.1: 98% Event 8095.1: −5% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 8095.1: −41% Event 8100.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.21) Event 8100.1: −29% LFS16 67 583 133 583 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 8152.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8152.1: −44% Event 8153.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8153.1: −44% Event 8758.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.34) Event 8758.1: −10% Event 8757.1: −10% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8757.1: −57% Event 8151.1: −10% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8151.1: −58% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8152.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.31) Event 8152.1: −13% Event 8153.1: 8% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 8153.1: 85% Event 8758.1: 11% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8758.1: 129% Event 8757.1: 6% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 8757.1: 60% Event 8151.1: 15% (significant, n value = 0.00) Event 8151.1: 216% LFS22 528 940 533 940 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 9622.1: 8% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 9622.1: 88% Event 9229.1: 15% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9229.1: 213% Event 9230.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.48) Event 9230.1: 0% Event 9231.1: 12% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9231.1: 159% Event 9620.1: 6% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 9620.1: 65% Second assay: Second assay: Event 9622.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.42) Event 9622.1: 9% Event 9229.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.42) Event 9229.1: 9% Event 9230.1: −6% (not significant, p_value = 0.10) Event 9230.1: −44% Event 9231.1: −8% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 9231.1: −50% Event 9620.1: 2% (not significant, p_value = 0.31) Event 9620.1: 27% LFS24 73 589 138 589 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 8565.1: 4% (significant, p_value = 0.05) Event 8565.1: 48% Event 8562.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 8562.1: −40% Event 8568.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8568.1: −43% Event 8569.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 8569.1: 56% Event 8567.1: 3% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 8567.1: 40% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8565.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8565.1: −42% Event 8562.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.16) Event 8562.1: −18% Event 8568.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8568.1: −48% Event 8569.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8569.1: 59% Event 8567.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.20) Event 8567.1: −16% LFS28 529 966 534 966 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 8114.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.26) Event 8114.1: −17% Event 8108.1: 4% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 8108.1: 40% Event 8109.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.28) Event 8109.1: −16% Event 8111.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.42) Event 8111.1: −5% Event 8115.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.24) Event 8115.1: −17% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS33 81 597 146 597 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 8159.1: 5% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 8159.1: 55% Event 8170.1: 12% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8170.1: 161% Event 8161.1: 4% (not significant, p_value = 0.19) Event 8161.1: 35% Event 8162.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.40) Event 8162.1: 9% Event 8163.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.20) Event 8163.1: −23% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS49 94 610 159 610 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 8650.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 8650.1: −14% Event 8653.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8653.1: −40% Event 8654.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.27) Event 8654.1: 15% Event 8648.1: 9% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8648.1: 108% Event 8651.1: 6% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8651.1: 68% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8653.1: −11% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8653.1: −53% LFS53 98 614 162 614 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 9634.1: −8% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9634.1: −44% Event 8898.1: −12% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8898.1: −59% Event 9627.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 9627.1: −39% Event 8186.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8186.1: −38% Event 9628.1: 2% (not significant, p_value = 0.32) Event 9628.1: 16% Second assay: Second assay: Event 9634.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 9634.1: −20% Event 8898.1: 2% (not significant, p_value = 0.31) Event 8898.1: 16% Event 9627.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.31) Event 9627.1: −14% Event 8186.1: −8% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 8186.1: −44% LFS65 107 623 171 623 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 8368.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.38) Event 8368.1: 7% Event 8372.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.41) Event 8372.1: 6% Event 8367.1: 3% (not significant, p_value = 0.12) Event 8367.1: 37% Event 8376.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.46) Event 8376.1: 10% Event 8377.1: 14% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8377.1: 249% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS70 111 627 175 650 Root wheat First assay: First assay: Event 8171.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.41) Event 8171.1: −6% Event 8181.1: 5% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 8181.1: 42% Event 8174.1: 2% (not significant, p_value = 0.34) Event 8174.1: 21% Event 8177.1: 6% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 8177.1: 57% Event 8179.1: −7% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 8179.1: −38% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS76 117 633 181 633 Root wheat First assay: First assay: Event 8619.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.46) Event 8619.1: 1% Event 9370.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.49) Event 9370.1: 1% Event 8616.1: −10% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8616.1: −53% Event 8618.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.39) Event 8618.1: 15% Event 8617.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.31) Event 8617.1: −19% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8619.1: 4% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 8619.1: −6% Event 9370.1: 3% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 9370.1: 33% Event 8616.1: 3% (not significant, p_value = 0.13) Event 8616.1: −4% Event 8618.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.28) Event 8618.1: 16% Event 8617.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8617.1: −32% LFS57 101 617 165 617 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 10753.1: −5% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 10753.1: −32% Event 10752.1: −14% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10752.1: −60% Event 10746.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.20) Event 10746.1: −18% Event 10747.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.41) Event 10747.1: 6% Event 10754.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.28) Event 10754.1: −13% Second assay: Second assay: Event 10753.1: 4% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 10753.1: 32% Event 10752.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 10752.1: 45% LFS10 62 578 128 578 Shoot barley First assay: First assay: Event 8834.1: −4% (significant, p_value = 0.05) Event 8834.1: −33% Event 9351.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.50) Event 9351.1: 0% Event 9757.1: −3% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 9757.1: −28% Event 8838.1: −5% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8838.1: −43% Event 8839.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.46) Event 8839.1: −2% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8834.1: −3% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 8834.1: −31% Event 9757.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.25) Event 9757.1: −15% Event 8838.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.21) Event 8838.1: −18% LFS14 65 581 131 581 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 8801.1: 7% (significant, p_value = 0.05) Event 8801.1: 85% Event 8802.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.26) Event 8802.1: −22% Event 8793.1: −8% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8793.1: −53% Event 8797.1: 3% (not significant, p_value = 0.21) Event 8797.1: 34% Event 8799.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.45) Event 8799.1: 1% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8793.1: 3% (not significant, p_value = 0.19) Event 8793.1: 28% LFS17 68 584 134 638 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 9925.1: 11% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9925.1: 109% Event 9926.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.34) Event 9926.1: −9% Event 9927.1: 6% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 9927.1: 56% Event 9924.1: 4% (significant, p_value = 0.10) Event 9924.1: 30% Event 9928.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.41) Event 9928.1: 3% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS3 56 572 122 572 Root barley First assay: First assay: Event 10806.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.19) Event 10806.1: −17% Event 10809.1: −3% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 10809.1: −24% Event 10807.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.13) Event 10807.1: −19% Event 10813.1: −5% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 10813.1: −33% Event 10808.1: −3% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 10808.1: −23% Second assay: Second assay: Event 10809.1: 3% (not significant, p_value = 0.16) Event 10809.1: 37% Event 10813.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.27) Event 10813.1: −16% Event 10808.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.37) Event 10808.1: 13% LFS39 87 603 152 603 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 9444.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.40) Event 9444.1: 10% Event 8785.1: 11% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8785.1: 182% Event 8893.1: 9% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8893.1: 139% Event 8786.1: 2% (not significant, p_value = 0.16) Event 8786.1: 31% Event 9443.1: 7% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9443.1: 101% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS6 58 574 124 574 Root barley First assay: First assay: Event 9038.1: 12% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9038.1: 121% Event 9029.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.47) Event 9029.1: −3% Event 9028.1: 17% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9028.1: 210% Event 9035.1: 14% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9035.1: 150% Event 9032.1: 4% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 9032.1: 34% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS2 55 571 121 571 Shoot barley First assay: First assay: Event 10688.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.19) Event 10688.1: 16% Event 10695.1: 4% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10695.1: 57% Event 9442.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 9442.1: 62% Event 10689.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.34) Event 10689.1: 7% Event 10690.1: 3% (significant, p_value = 0.05) Event 10690.1: 37% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS62 106 622 170 648 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 10731.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.15) Event 10731.1: −20% Event 10735.1: −9% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10735.1: −46% Event 10744.1: −10% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10744.1: −49% Event 10738.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.24) Event 10738.1: −15% Event 10734.1: 2% (not significant, p_value = 0.25) Event 10734.1: 20% Second assay: Second assay: Event 10735.1: 7% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 10735.1: 66% Event 10744.1: 13% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10744.1: 144% LFS21 71 587 137 587 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 8583.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8583.1: 75% Event 8584.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.29) Event 8584.1: −12% Event 8586.1: 10% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8586.1: 142% Event 8587.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.32) Event 8587.1: 16% Event 8585.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.42) Event 8585.1: 5% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS44 90 606 155 606 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 11763.1: −3% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 11763.1: −24% Event 11766.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.38) Event 11766.1: 14% Event 11772.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.34) Event 11772.1: −5% Event 11774.1: −4% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 11774.1: −34% Event 11768.1: −10% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11768.1: −62% Second assay: Second assay: Event 11763.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.42) Event 11763.1: −5% Event 11774.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 11774.1: −19% Event 11768.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.21) Event 11768.1: −20% LFS9 61 577 127 577 Root barley First assay: First assay: Event 9049.1: −18% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9049.1: −73% Event 9051.1: −9% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9051.1: −49% Event 9048.1: −14% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9048.1: −65% Event 9054.1: −12% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9054.1: −57% Event 9052.1: −11% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9052.1: −54% Second assay: Second assay: Event 9049.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.10) Event 9049.1: 45% Event 9052.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.28) Event 9052.1: −17% Event 9051.1: 3% (not significant, p_value = 0.12) Event 9051.1: 42% Event 9048.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.15) Event 9048.1: −26% Event 9054.1: −4% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 9054.1: −35% LFS18 69 585 135 639 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 8826.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.28) Event 8826.1: −11% Event 8824.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8824.1: −41% Event 8827.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8827.1: −41% Event 8816.1: −8% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8816.1: −44% Event 8815.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8815.1: −42% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8824.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8824.1: −46% Event 8827.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.49) Event 8827.1: 0% Event 8816.1: 4% (significant, p_value = 0.10) Event 8816.1: 45% Event 8815.1: −4% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 8815.1: −32% LFS30 78 594 143 642 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 10793.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.37) Event 10793.1: −8% Event 10792.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.34) Event 10792.1: 12% Event 10796.1: −4% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 10796.1: −34% Event 10797.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.45) Event 10797.1: −3% Event 10794.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.13) Event 10794.1: −27% Second assay: Second assay: Event 10796.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10796.1: −54% LFS36 84 600 149 600 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 8814.1: −6% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 8814.1: −39% Event 8811.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 8811.1: −44% Event 8809.1: −11% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8809.1: −56% Event 8813.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.35) Event 8813.1: −16% Event 8806.1: −5% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 8806.1: −34% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8814.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8814.1: −50% Event 8811.1: −4% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8811.1: −42% Event 8809.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8809.1: −49% Event 8806.1: −5% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8806.1: −44% LFS27 76 592 141 641 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 8422.1: −6% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 8422.1: −36% Event 8536.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.32) Event 8536.1: −9% Event 8537.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 8537.1: −15% Event 8420.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.48) Event 8420.1: 2% Event 8737.1: −10% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8737.1: −50% Event 8739.1: −17% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8739.1: −69% Second assay: Second assay: Event 8737.1: −8% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 8737.1: −54% Event 8422.1: −7% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8422.1: −47% Event 8739.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.17) Event 8739.1: −23% LFS54 99 615 163 615 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 8241.1: 10% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8241.1: 97% Event 8240.1: 4% (not significant, p_value = 0.17) Event 8240.1: 31% Event 8250.1: 8% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 8250.1: 74% Event 8249.1: 10% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 8249.1: 97% Event 8244.1: 4% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 8244.1: 31% Event 8246.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.31) Event 8246.1: 12% second assay not available second assay not available LFS46 92 608 157 608 Shoot sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 12016.1: −5% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 12016.1: −38% Event 12010.1: −5% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 12010.1: −34% Event 12014.1: −8% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 12014.1: −48% Event 12019.1: −12% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12019.1: −64% Event 12009.1: −17% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12009.1: −75% Event 12012.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.40) Event 12012.1: 9% Second assay: Second assay: Event 12016.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.45) Event 12016.1: −1% Event 12010.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.48) Event 12010.1: 1% Event 12014.1: 2% (not significant, p_value = 0.19) Event 12014.1: 24% Event 12019.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.45) Event 12019.1: 2% Event 12009.1: 4% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 12009.1: 53% LFS34 82 598 147 598 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 10833.1: 6% (not significant, p_value = 0.20) Event 10833.1: 50% Event 10828.1: 4% (not significant, p_value = 0.37) Event 10828.1: 34% Event 10821.1: 4% (not significant, p_value = 0.87) Event 10821.1: 2.5% Event 10830.1: −0.2% (not significant, p_value = 0.9) Event 10830.1: −1.4% Event 10832.1: 4% (not significant, p_value = 0.39) Event 10832.1: −31% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS43 89 605 154 644 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 10095.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.37) Event 10095.1: −14% Event 10094.1: 3% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 10094.1: 36% Event 10099.1: 4% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10099.1: 64% Event 10096.1: 2% (significant, p_value = 0.10) Event 10096.1: 32% Event 10098.1: −2% (not significant, p_value = 0.22) Event 10098.1: −19% Event 8832.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.44) Event 8832.1: −4% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS38 86 602 151 643 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 12250.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 12250.1: −21% Event 12252.1: 7% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12252.1: 68% Event 12256.1: −1% (not significant, p_value = 0.30) Event 12256.1: −12% Event 12254.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.26) Event 12254.1: 1% Event 12259.1: 2% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 12259.1: 21% Event 12258.1: −3% (not significant, p_value = 0.27) Event 12258.1: −20% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS25 74 590 139 590 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 12524.1: 6% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 12524.1: 82% Event 12521.1: 8% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12521.1: 119% Event 12518.1: 3% (not significant, p_value = 0.18) Event 12518.1: 34% Event 12520.1: 6% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 12520.1: 79% Event 12522.1: 6% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 12522.1: 75% Event 12526.1: 5% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 12526.1: 69% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS37 85 601 150 601 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 10717.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 10717.1: 19% Event 10724.1: 2% (significant, p_value = 0.05) Event 10724.1: 22% Event 10721.1: 1% (not significant, p_value = 0.12) Event 10721.1: 15% Event 10719.1: 4% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10719.1: 45% Event 10723.1: 0% (not significant, p_value = 0.25) Event 10723.1: 7% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS55 100 616 164 647 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 10852.1: −5.17% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10852.1: −41.51% Event 9958.1: 0.83% (not significant, p_value = 0.37) Event 9958.1: 9.03% Event 10854.1: −0.43% (not significant, p_value = 0.41) Event 10854.1: −4.37% Event 11761.1: 2.63% (not significant, p_value = 0.13) Event 11761.1: 31.33% Event 9955.1: 4.06% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 9955.1: 52.48% Event 10853.1: −0.25% (not significant, p_value = 0.44) Event 10853.1: −2.53% Second assay: Second assay: Event 10852.1: 0.01% (not significant, p_value = 0.50) Event 10852.1: 0.11% LFS50 95 611 160 611 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 10500.1: 3.95% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10500.1: 52.50% Event 11037.1: 2.32% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 11037.1: 28.19% Event 10501.1: 3.03% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10501.1: 38.17% Event 11423.1: −2.47% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 11423.1: −23.21% Event 11035.1: 0.80% (not significant, p_value = 0.35) Event 11035.1: 8.93% Event 11033.1: −0.11% (not significant, p_value = 0.44) Event 11033.1: −1.13% Second assay: Second assay: Event 11423.1: −3.17% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 11423.1: −28.72% LFS19 70 586 136 586 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 12787.1: −4.45% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 12787.1: −34.30% Event 12785.1: −5.77% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 12785.1: −42.00% Event 12937.1: −3.25% (not significant, p_value = 0.15) Event 12937.1: −26.44% Event 12786.1: 4.82% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 12786.1: −36.54% Event 12943.1: −5.97% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 12943.1: −43.07% Event 12942.1: 1.57% (not significant, p_value = 0.31) Event 12942.1: 15.92% Second assay: Second assay: Event 12787.1: −8.93% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12787.1: −59.42% Event 12785.1: 4.27% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 12785.1: −35.00% Event 12786.1: 4.83% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 12786.1: −38.61% Event 12943.1: −10.98% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12943.1: −67.01% LFS29 77 593 142 593 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 12563.1: −7.71% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12563.1: −56.61% Event 12779.1: −6.40% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12779.1: −49.98% Event 13347.1: 1.16% (not significant, p_value = 0.32) Event 13347.1: 13.37% Event 13346.1: 4.35% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 13346.1: −37.59% Event 12561.1: 2.54% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 12561.1: 31.71% Event 12780.1: −3.07% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 12780.1: −28.32% Second assay: Second assay: Event 12780.1: −11.66% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12780.1: −71.22% Event 13346.42: −25.14% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 13346.42: −91.71% Event 12779.38: 1.53% (not significant, p_value = 0.32) Event 12779.38: 16.40% LFS72 113 629 177 651 Root wheat First assay: First assay: Event 10781.1: −9.57% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10781.1: −65.49% Event 10779.1: −6.72% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10779.1: −52.62% Event 10784.1: −5.21% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10784.1: −43.95% Event 10786.1: −1.71% (not significant, p_value = 0.19) Event 10786.1: −17.28% Event 10783.1: −5.94% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10783.1: −48.34% Event 10790.1: −3.01% (not significant, p_value = 0.13) Event 10790.1: −28.42% Second assay: Second assay: Event 10781.1: −3.66% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 10781.1: −32.33% Event 10779.1: −12.17% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10779.1: −72.73% Event 10784.1: −1.12% (not significant, p_value = 0.29) Event 10784.1: −11.30% Event 10783.1: −7.43% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10783.1: −54.77% LFS8 60 576 126 576 Shoot barley First assay: First assay: Event 12200.1: −3.19% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 12200.1: −30.68% Event 12035.1: 0.06% (not significant, p_value = 0.46) Event 12035.1: 0.66% Event 12199.1: −3.72% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 12199.1: −34.80% Event 11146.1: 1.15% (not significant, p_value = 0.20) Event 11146.1: 14.15% Event 11762.1: −0.29% (not significant, p_value = 0.36) Event 11762.1: −3.28% Event 12197.1: −0.26% (not significant, p_value = 0.41) Event 12197.1: −2.94% Second assay: Second assay: Event 12200.1: −8.04% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 12200.1: −53.79% Event 12199.1: −3.85% (not significant, p_value = 0.12) Event 12199.1: −30.91% LFS78 119 635 183 654 Shoot wheat First assay: First assay: Event 11698.1: −10.05% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11698.1: −67.08% Event 11703.1: −0.17% (not significant, p_value = 0.47) Event 11703.1: −1.90% Event 11704.1: −2.41% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 11704.1: −23.37% Event 11701.1: −3.50% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 11701.1: −32.07% Event 11699.1: −2.50% (not significant, p_value = 0.16) Event 11699.1: −24.15% Event 11702.1: 4.13% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 11702.1: 57.85% Second assay: Second assay: Event 11698.1: 1.92% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 11698.1: 20.21% Event 11701.1: −6.19% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 11701.1: −44.79% LFS45 91 607 156 607 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 11079.1: −3.81% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 11079.1: −35.24% Event 11081.1: −7.11% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11081.1: −55.57% Event 11078.1: −3.73% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 11078.1: −34.70% Event 11080.1: −8.62% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11080.1: −62.60% Event 11074.1: −10.72% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11074.1: −70.58% Event 11076.1: −2.45% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 11076.1: −24.36% Second assay: Second assay: Event 11079.1: −9.42% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11079.1: −61.55% Event 11081.1: 1.53% (not significant, p_value = 0.27) Event 11081.1: 16.77% Event 11078.1: 0.96% (not significant, p_value = 0.29) Event 11078.1: 10.21% Event 11080.1: −3.12% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 11080.1: −27.17% Event 11074.1: −5.55% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11076.1: 1.82% (not significant, p_value = 0.28) LFS31 79 595 144 595 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 8900.1: 12.65% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 8900.1: 105.62% Event 9296.1: 3.56% (not significant, p_value = 0.28) Event 9296.1: 22.47% Event 9300.1: 13.98% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 9300.1: 121.81% Event 8657.1: 6.30% (not significant, p_value = 0.13) Event 8657.1: 43.18% Event 9301.1: 5.51% (not significant, p_value = 0.17) Event 9301.1: 36.89% Event 8658.1: 4.14% (not significant, p_value = 0.24) Event 8658.1: 26.60% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS60 104 620 168 620 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 12264.1: 38.50% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12264.1: 1663.38% Event 12841.1: 38.63% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12841.1: 1681.62% Event 12037.1: 25.32% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12037.1: 560.29% Event 12265.1: 41.28% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12265.1: 2070.79% Event 12837.1: 50.93% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12837.1: 4356.04% Event 12843.1: 37.47% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12843.1: 1533.31% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS42 88 604 153 604 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 9225.1: −0.46% (not significant, p_value = 0.48) Event 9225.1: −4.71% Event 9369.1: −2.59% (significant, p_value = 0.06) Event 9369.1: −23.74% Event 9623.1: −1.75% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 9623.1: −16.71% Event 9624.1: −1.52% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 9624.1: −14.64% Event 9228.1: −4.82% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9228.1: −39.54% Event 9224.1: −1.39% (not significant, p_value = 0.19) Event 9224.1: −13.55% Second assay: Second assay: Event 9369.1: −1.22% (not significant, p_value = 0.28) Event 9369.1: −12.31% Event 9228.1: 1.83% (not significant, p_value = 0.23) Event 9228.1: 21.92% LFS7 59 575 125 575 Root barley First assay: First assay: Event 9276.1: −1.72% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 9276.1: −16.23% Event 9283.1: −5.45% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9283.1: −43.03% Event 9284.1: 3.29% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 9284.1: 40.44% Event 9286.1: −2.43% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 9286.1: −22.17% Event 9274.1: 2.01% (not significant, p_value = 0.12) Event 9274.1: 23.02% Event 9280.1: 0.09% (not significant, p_value = 0.45) Event 9280.1: 0.89% Second assay: Second assay: Event 9283.1: −13.90% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9283.1: −77.74% Event 9286.1: −2.66% (not significant, p_value = 0.13) Event 9286.1: −24.98% LFS40 530 941 535 941 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 11575.1: 3.80% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 11575.1: 47.21% Event 11586.1: −7.26% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11586.1: −52.20% Event 11574.1: −0.45% (not significant, p_value = 0.43) Event 11574.1: −4.44% Event 11576.1: 0.79% (not significant, p_value = 0.37) Event 11576.1: 8.34% Event 11580.1: −3.16% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 11580.1: −27.50% Event 11577.1: −1.64% (not significant, p_value = 0.26) Event 11577.1: −15.36% Second assay: Second assay: Event 11586.1: −11.50% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11586.1: −71.15% LFS4 57 573 123 573 Root barley First assay: First assay: Event 9066.1: 2.69% (not significant, p_value = 0.12) Event 9066.1: 30.17% Event 9070.1: −6.08% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9070.1: −44.83% Event 9069.1: −10.04% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9069.1: −62.58% Event 9071.1: −11.52% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9071.1: −67.60% Event 9074.1: −16.56% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9074.1: −80.23% Event 9075.1: −10.20% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9075.1: −63.16% Second assay: Second assay: Event 9070.1: 0.66% (not significant, p_value = 0.31) Event 9070.1: 5.87% Event 9069.1: −4.88% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9069.1: −34.37% Event 9071.1: −4.22% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9071.1: −30.56% Event 9074.1: −3.92% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9074.1: −28.75% Event 9075.1: −27.28% LFS35 83 599 148 599 Shoot maize First assay: First assay: Event 12796.1: 4.74% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 12796.1: 58.04% Event 12794.1: 2.15% (not significant, p_value = 0.22) Event 12794.1: 23.12% Event 12797.1: 7.54% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12797.1: 106.95% Event 12964.1: 1.83% (not significant, p_value = 0.22) Event 12964.1: 19.28% Event 12965.1: 0.46% (not significant, p_value = 0.36) Event 12965.1: 4.59% Event 12793.1: −8.28% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12793.1: −55.01% Second assay: Second assay: Event 12793.1: 3.02% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 12793.1: 32.61% LFS80 120 636 184 636 Root maize First assay: First assay: Event 10837.1: −2.72% (not significant, p_value = 0.20) Event 10837.1: −23.54% Event 10841.1: 1.21% (not significant, p_value = 0.32) Event 10841.1: 12.72% Event 10843.1: 2.73% (not significant, p_value = 0.18) Event 10843.1: 30.98% Event 10839.1: 9.36% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10839.1: 151.85% Event 10848.1: 2.41% (not significant, p_value = 0.21) Event 10848.1: 26.87% Event 10838.1: 3.59% (not significant, p_value = 0.10) Event 10838.1: 42.56% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS47 93 609 158 645 Shoot sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 9208.1: −4.08% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 9208.1: −33.17% Event 9217.1: −7.42% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9217.1: −51.90% Event 9209.1: −2.32% (not significant, p_value = 0.18) Event 9209.1: −20.45% Event 9215.1: −2.76% (not significant, p_value = 0.16) Event 9215.1: −23.87% Event 9216.1: −9.22% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9216.1: −59.73% Event 9211.1: −5.62% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 9211.1: −42.58% Second assay: Second assay: Event 9208.1: 3.21% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 9208.1: 41.38% Event 9217.1: 2.39% (not significant, p_value = 0.16) Event 9217.1: 29.33% Event 9216.1: −7.36% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9216.1: −54.75% Event 9211.1: 1.53% (not significant, p_value = 0.29) Event 9211.1: 17.88% LFS48 531 942 536 943 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 10858.1: −4.30% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10858.1: −34.89% Event 10859.1: −3.77% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10859.1: −31.32% Event 10860.1: 0.77% (not significant, p_value = 0.26) Event 10860.1: 7.97% Event 10862.1: 1.95% (not significant, p_value = 0.14) Event 10862.1: 21.51% Event 11734.1: −6.25% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11734.1: −46.41% Event 10856.1: 1.87% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 10856.1: 20.51% Second assay: Second assay: Event 10858.1: 2.94% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 10858.1: 36.73% Event 10859.1: −1.88% (not significant, p_value = 0.11) Event 10859.1: −18.17% Event 11734.1: −2.76% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 11734.1: −25.46% LFS52 97 613 161 646 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 10031.1: 3.05% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 10031.1: 39.80% Event 10033.1: 3.31% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 10033.1: 43.98% Event 10023.1: 1.01% (not significant, p_value = 0.24) Event 10023.1: 11.76% Event 10026.1: −0.96% (not significant, p_value = 0.29) Event 10026.1: −10.02% Event 10024.1: 0.73% (not significant, p_value = 0.31) Event 10024.1: 8.37% Event 10029.1: 4.06% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10029.1: 56.33% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS59 103 619 167 619 Shoot sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 11793.1: 8.19% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11793.1: 121.77% Event 11797.1: 5.59% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 11797.1: 72.11% Event 11799.1: −0.48% (not significant, p_value = 0.44) Event 11799.1: −4.51% Event 11794.1: 3.94% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 11794.1: 46.67% Event 11798.1: 11.76% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11798.1: 213.69% Event 11802.1: 7.28% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11802.1: 102.93% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS45 91 607 156 607 Root sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 11079.1: −3.81% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 11079.1: −35.24% Event 11081.1: −7.11% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11081.1: −55.57% Event 11078.1: −3.73% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 11078.1: −34.70% Event 11080.1: −8.62% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11080.1: −62.60% Event 11074.1: −10.72% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11074.1: −70.58% Event 11076.1: −2.45% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 11076.1: −24.36% Second assay: Second assay: Event 11079.1: −9.42% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 11079.1: −61.55% Event 11081.1: 1.53% (not significant, p_value = 0.27) Event 11081.1: 16.77% Event 11078.1: 0.96% (not significant, p_value = 0.29) Event 11078.1: 10.21% Event 11080.1: −3.12% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 11080.1: −27.17% Event 11074.1: −43.09% Event 11076.1: 20.29% LFS66 108 624 172 624 shoot sorghum First assay: First assay: Event 11559.1: 3.64% (not significant, p_value = 0.15) Event 11559.1: 44.61% Event 11565.1: 5.23% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 11565.1: 69.76% Event 11558.1: 2.04% (not significant, p_value = 0.26) Event 11558.1: 22.98% Event 11564.1: −2.14% (not significant, p_value = 0.22) Event 11564.1: −19.44% Event 11563.1: 4.70% (significant, p_value = 0.09) Event 11563.1: 60.89% Event 11568.1: 6.82% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 11568.1: 99.43% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS67 109 625 173 625 Shoot wheat First assay: First assay: Event 12003.1: −0.70% (not significant, p_value = 0.33) Event 12003.1: −7.10% Event 11997.1: −3.53% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 11997.1: −31.14% Event 12000.1: 1.29% (not significant, p_value = 0.25) Event 12000.1: 14.58% Event 12005.1: 8.21% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12005.1: 137.95% Event 12001.1: 2.38% (not significant, p_value = 0.24) Event 12001.1: 28.52% Event 12004.1: 4.32% (significant, p_value = 0.04) Event 12004.1: 57.75% Second assay: Second assay: Event 11997.1: 0.27% (not significant, p_value = 0.37) Event 11997.1: 2.51% LFS68 110 626 174 649 Root wheat First assay: First assay: Event 9938.1: 5.69% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9938.1: 74.07% Event 9940.1: 3.60% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 9940.1: 42.02% Event 9944.1: 0.02% (not significant, p_value = 0.50) Event 9944.1: 0.16% Event 9946.1: 4.13% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 9946.1: 49.46% Event 9939.1: 4.40% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 9939.1: 53.41% Event 9943.1: 4.84% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9943.1: 60.23% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS73 114 630 178 652 Shoot wheat First assay: First assay: Event 12447.1: −10.00% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12447.1: −66.37% Event 12438.1: 0.90% (not significant, p_value = 0.40) Event 12438.1: 10.34% Event 12441.1: −5.26% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 12441.1: −43.64% Event 12439.1: 3.04% (not significant, p_value = 0.10) Event 12439.1: 39.30% Event 12443.1: −12.28% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12443.1: −73.74% Event 12448.1: −8.18% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12448.1: −58.97% Second assay: Second assay: Event 12447.1: −7.05% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 12447.1: −48.30% Event 12441.1: −11.43% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12441.1: −65.70% Event 12443.1: −2.68% (not significant, p_value = 0.25) Event 12443.1: −22.20% Event 12448.1: −3.59% (not significant, p_value = 0.15) Event 12448.1: −28.52% LFS74 115 631 179 631 Shoot wheat First assay: First assay: Event 10863.1: 18.55% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10863.1: 375.05% Event 10866.1: 16.55% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10866.1: 301.62% Event 10869.1: 13.76% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10869.1: 217.85% Event 10874.1: 10.91% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10874.1: 150.20% Event 10873.1: −7.22% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 10873.1: −45.48% Event 10867.1: 6.43% (significant, p_value = 0.05) Event 10867.1: 71.60% Second assay: Second assay: Event 10873.1: −6.84% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10873.1: −52.14% LFS75 116 632 180 653 Shoot wheat First assay: First assay: Event 10762.1: 5.06% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10762.1: 68.46% Event 10772.1: −6.86% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10772.1: −50.68% Event 10764.1: −0.27% (not significant, p_value = 0.48) Event 10764.1: −2.78% Event 10773.1: 1.39% (not significant, p_value = 0.26) Event 10773.1: 15.45% Event 10761.1: −3.37% (significant, p_value = 0.07) Event 10761.1: −29.35% Event 10769.1: −9.82% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 10769.1: −63.64% Second assay: Second assay: Event 10772.1: −3.66% (significant, p_value = 0.08) Event 10772.1: −32.56% Event 10761.1: −6.63% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 10761.1: −47.10% Event 10769.1: −0.61% (not significant, p_value = 0.47) Event 10769.1: −5.69% LFS77 118 634 182 634 Root wheat First assay: First assay: Event 9907.1: 5.67% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9907.1: 73.28% Event 9902.1: −0.91% (not significant, p_value = 0.34) Event 9902.1: −8.48% Event 9898.1: 14.39% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9898.1: 303.40% Event 9906.1: 2.19% (not significant, p_value = 0.15) Event 9906.1: 23.64% Event 9904.1: 10.71% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9904.1: 182.45% Event 9900.1: 9.51% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 9900.1: 151.50% Second assay not available Second assay not available LFS71 112 628 176 628 Root wheat First assay: First assay: Event 12464.1: 4.33% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 12464.1: 54.38% Event 12453.1: −0.92% (not significant, p_value = 0.32) Event 12453.1: −8.83% Event 12461.1: −4.61% (significant, p_value = 0.01) Event 12461.1: −37.07% Event 12460.1: 6.69% (significant, p_value = 0.00) Event 12460.1: 95.77% Event 12462.1: −1.10% (not significant, p_value = 0.28) Event 12462.1: −10.42% Event 12463.1: 4.02% (significant, p_value = 0.02) Event 12463.1: −33.18% Second assay: Second assay: Event 12463.1: 3.02% (significant, p_value = 0.03) Event 12463.1: 37.82% Event 12461.1: −1.30% (not significant, p_value = 0.29) Event 12461.1: −13.14% “Polyn.” = Polynucleotide; “Polyp.” = Polypeptide; “CFU” = Colony Forming Unit

Example 8: Overexpression of a Polypeptide by Genome Editing

Over-expression of a polypeptide according to certain embodiments of the present invention can be achieved using methods of gene editing. One example of such approach includes editing a selected genomic region as to express the polypeptide of interest. In the current example, the target genomic region is the maize locus GRMZM2G069095 (based on genome version Zea mays AGPv3) and the polypeptide to be over-expressed is the maize LFS24 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:589 encoded by the polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:138. It is to be explicitly understood that other genome loci can be used as targets for genome editing for over-expressing other polypeptides of the invention based on the same principles.

FIG. 4A depicts the sequence of the endogenous 5′ upstream flanking region of the genomic sequence GRMZM2G069095 (SEQ ID NO:45) and FIG. 4B depicts the sequence of the endogenous 3′-downstream flanking region of this genomic locus (SEQ ID NO:46). FIG. 4C depicts the sequence of the 5′-UTR gRNA (SEQ ID NO:43) and FIG. 4D depicts the sequence of the 5′-UTR gRNA without NGG nucleotides following the 3 nucleotides after the Cas9 cutting (SEQ ID NO:47). FIG. 4E depicts the sequence of the 3′-UTR gRNA (SEQ ID NO:44) and FIG. 4F depicts the sequence of the 3′-UTR gRNA after cut (SEQ ID NO:48). FIG. 4G depicts the coding sequence (from the “ATG” start codon to the “TGA” termination codon, marked by bold and underlined) of the desired LFS24 sequence (SEQ ID NO:50) encoding the polypeptide set forth by SEQ ID NO: 589.

The complete exemplary repair template (SEQ ID NO:49) is depicted in FIG. 4H. The repair template includes: (1) the upstream flanking region (1 kbp) sequence including part of the gRNA after cutting (SEQ ID NO:47; shown in bold and italics); (2) 5′ UTR of genomic DNA from Cas9 cutting site to ATG; (3) the coding sequence (CDS) of the desired LFS24 sequence (SEQ ID NO:50) marked in lower case with the start (ATG) and the stop (TGA) codons marked in bold and underlined; (4) 3′ UTR of genomic DNA from the stop codon to Cas9 cutting site including the predicted part of the gRNA after cutting (SEQ ID NO:48), shown in bold and italics and (5) the downstream flanking region (1 kbp) sequence.

The repair template is delivered into the cell type of interest along with the 5′ and 3′guide RNA sequences (SEQ ID NO:43 and SEQ ID NO:44, respectively).

Example 9: Knockout of a Polypeptide by Genome Editing

Knock-out of a polypeptide according to certain embodiments of the present invention can be achieved using methods of gene editing.

In the current example, the target genomic region is the maize LFS39 protein comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:603 encoded by the polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:53. It is to be explicitly understood that other genome loci can be used as targets for genome editing for over-expressing other polypeptides of the invention based on the same principles.

The CRISPR/CAS9 or similar systems can generate double stranded breaks (DSBs) at any genomic locus under the guidance of an engineered single-guide RNA when delivered into the cell type of interest. Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) in the absence of DNA template accompanied with the modification of target genomic repair the DSBs but tends to be prone to insertion and/or deletion (indel) mutations at the junctional site, causing frame shifts mutations that disrupt the targeted gene. (FIG. 5E)

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without undue experimentation and without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The means, materials, and steps for carrying out various disclosed functions may take a variety of alternative forms without departing from the invention. 

1. A method for enhancing the resistance of a plant or a part thereof to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:586, 571-585, and 587-939 within at least one cell of the plant or part thereof, thereby enhancing the resistance of said plant or part thereof to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete compared to the resistance of a control plant.
 2. The method of claim 1, said method comprises modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:586, 571-585, and 587-964.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:70, 136, 55-69, 71-135, and 137-527.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide comprising the nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 70, 136, 55-69, 71-135, and 137-564.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein enhancing the resistance of the plant or part thereof to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprises enhancing the expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide compared to its expression and/or activity in the control plant.
 6. The method of claim 5, said method comprises introducing into at least one cell of the plant or part thereof an exogenous polynucleotide encoding the at least one polypeptide thereby producing a transgenic plant over-expressing said polypeptide compared to the control plant.
 7. The method of claim 5, said method comprises enhancing the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:586, 573, 575-578, 585, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, and 651-654.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 586, 573, 575-578, 585, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and
 943. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein enhancing the resistance of the plant or part thereof to the at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete comprises reducing the expression and/or activity of the at least one polypeptide compared to its expression and/or activity in the control plant.
 10. A method for producing a population of plants each having an enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising the steps of: a. modulating the expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:586, 571-585, and 587-939 within at least one cell of each plant of a plant population as to produce a genetically engineered plant population; b. inoculating each plant of the genetically engineered plant population with the at least one pathogenic fungus or Oomycete; and c. selecting plants showing an enhanced resistance to said at least one pathogenic fungus or Oomycete compared to a control plant or to a pre-determined resistance score value; thereby producing a population of genetically engineered plants having enhanced resistance to said at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein modulating the expression and/or activity of the at least on polypeptide is selected from enhancing the expression and/or activity and reducing the expression and/or activity.
 12. A method for selecting a plant having an enhanced resistance to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete, comprising the steps of: a. providing a plurality of plants each comprising at least one cell with modulated expression and/or activity of a polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:586, 571-585, 587-939; b. inoculating the plurality of plants with the at least one pathogenic fungus or Oomycete; and c. selecting plants showing an enhanced resistance to said at least one pathogenic fungus or Oomycete compared to a control plant or to a pre-determined resistance score value; thereby selecting a plant having enhanced resistance to said at least one pathogenic fungus.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein modulating the expression and/or activity of the at least on polypeptide is selected from enhancing the expression and/or activity and reducing the expression and/or activity.
 14. A genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to at least one fungus and/or Oomycete compared to a non-engineered control plant, the genetically engineered plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:586, 571-585, and 587-939 compared to the polypeptide expression and/or activity in the non-engineered control plant.
 15. The genetically engineered plant of claim 14, said plant comprises at least one cell having modified expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:586, 571-585, and 587-964.
 16. A genetically engineered plant having enhanced resistance to the at least one fungus and/or Oomycete comprising at least one cell having enhanced expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide at least 80% identical to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 586, 573, 575-578, 585, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, and 651-654.
 17. The genetically engineered plant of claim 16, said plant comprises at least one cell having enhanced expression and/or activity of at least one polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 586, 573, 575-578, 585, 589, 592-594, 600, 607, 609-611, 614, 629-632, 635, 641, 642, 645, 651-654, 942, and
 943. 18. A nucleic acid construct comprising a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to a polynucleotide having a nucleic acids sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:70, 136, 57, 59-62, 69, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, and 183, wherein the polynucleotide, when expressed in a plant, is capable of enhancing the resistance of the plant to at least one pathogenic fungus and/or Oomycete.
 19. The nucleic acid construct of claim 18, said construct comprises a polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:70, 136, 57, 59-62, 69, 73, 76-78, 84, 91, 93-95, 98, 113-116, 119, 123, 125-128, 135, 138, 141-143, 149, 156, 158-160, 162, 177-180, 183, 530, 531, 535, and
 536. 20. A genetically engineered plant cell expressing at least one construct according to claim
 18. 